Swiss rescue services have suspended the search for 25-year-old Luciano Capasso, who went missing on February 18 during a solo hike near the resort of Saint Moritz. The man, originally from near Naples and working at a local hotel, was caught by a violent snowstorm at an altitude of 2,700 meters above sea level. He has not contacted his family for four days, and his last message to his brother was dramatic: "I'm trying not to die."

Rescue Operation Suspended

Due to terrible weather conditions and a snowstorm at an altitude of 2,700 meters, Swiss services had to suspend physical search operations on the ground.

High Financial Reward

The missing man's mother offered 50,000 euros for help in finding her son, while also appealing for help from the Italian diplomatic corps.

Dramatic Last Contact

The last signal from the 25-year-old was recorded on February 18; he sent an SMS with the message "cerco di non morire" (I'm trying not to die).

The rescue operation in the Swiss Alps, led by the Grisons cantonal police, has encountered extremely difficult weather conditions. Luciano Capasso, an experienced mountaineering enthusiast staying in Switzerland for work, set out on an expedition on his day off. According to investigators, the young man became stranded in a high-altitude area during a severe snow squall, a sudden winter attack combined with gusty winds and zero visibility. The last known GPS location points to coordinates 46.43110 N and 9.92496 E, situated at an altitude of nearly 2,700 meters. The Swiss Alps are among the most dangerous high-mountain terrains in Europe, where sudden weather deteriorations and avalanches claim dozens of victims among tourists and seasonal workers every winter.The missing man's mother, Raffaella Grande, in an act of desperation, increased the reward offered for finding her son from 10 thousand to 50 thousand euros. The family is appealing to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) for greater involvement and direct contact with Swiss services. The missing man's brother fears the worst-case scenario, given the low temperatures and the risk of avalanches, which is currently classified as high in this region. The authorities of Qualiano, where the 25-year-old is from, have declared full support for the relatives and are in constant contact with the Carabinieri. Meanwhile, Swiss rescuers emphasize that resuming operations on the ground will only be possible after an improvement in weather conditions, which currently prevent the safe use of helicopters and rescue dogs. The situation is being monitored hour by hour, but with each passing day, the chances of finding the man alive are drastically decreasing.

Mentioned People

  • Luciano Capasso — 25-year-old Italian missing in the mountains near Saint Moritz
  • Raffaella Grande — Mother of the missing man, offering a high reward for finding her son
  • Raffaele de Leonardis — Mayor of the Italian town of Qualiano, supporting the family