South African Police Services’ (SAPS) dog unit stumbled upon a shocking discovery on Monday when they found the body of David Watson, a Hermanus hiker who had disappeared without a trace. The 75-year-old is suspected to have died from a heart attack.
Watson was first reported missing when he did not return home from a walk on Sunday, his body was found at Vogelgat in Hermanus.
According to his daughter, Watson died doing what he loved, which was being out and surrounded by nature. “I miss and admired him greatly,” she told News24. “He had just accomplished walking around Mont Blanc. A kind gentleman who always tried to do the right thing for everyone.”
Many stories have emerged of hikers finding themselves in difficulty when hiking alone in recent months, and there are several hiking groups and clubs to join when enjoying the beauty of the Cape’s outdoors. Although not all difficulty is experienced as a result of crime, it is always safer to hike in numbers.
READ: Enjoy the mountains safely with these hiking and trail running groups
Picture: Pixabay