Family reveals Luke Costanzo’s deeply unique personality as he remains missing in the Nepal disaster
The family of a Perth man missing in Nepal is hoping for a “miracle” after losing contact with him during a pilgrimage trek to Mount Kailash.
Luke Costanzo, 30, was travelling with the non-profit spiritual organisation Isha Foundation when devastating flooding and landslides hit the region.
His family confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Costanzo is among the Australians still unaccounted for following the disaster.
More than 1,000 people have died, while about 4,400 remain missing as rescue efforts continue across the affected areas.
Luke Costanzo was travelling with the non-profit spiritual organisation Isha Foundation when devastating flooding and landslides hit the region. Picture Supplied/Costanzo family
The family said they last heard from Mr Costanzo at the Gyirong port border crossing as his group made its way back to Kathmandu on the final day of the journey.
Mr Costanzo had been travelling to Mount Kailash as part of a pilgrimage trek and was described by his family as a deeply spiritual person.
“Luke is an extremely strong, compassionate, disciplined and spiritual person,” his family said in a statement.
“Once he makes a decision, he commits to it fully, and he was so excited to be visiting Mount Kailash on a pilgrimage trek with the Isha Foundation.”
The family said the circumstances had been “an unimaginably difficult situation” and asked the media to respect their privacy.
They also thanked friends and family for their support as they await news.
“We truly appreciate all the love and support from friends and family that we’ve received and ask everyone to keep Luke, and all those affected, in your thoughts and prayers,” they said.
Mr Costanzo was among a number of Australians caught up in the disaster, which has left thousands of people unaccounted for.
His family said they could do little but wait and hope for news of his whereabouts.
“We can do nothing but continue hoping for a miracle that Luke, and the others who remain missing, are found alive and well,” they said.
They also urged people who wanted to help to consider supporting aid organisations involved in rescue efforts on the ground.
“For those wishing to help in some way — and are in the position to do so — we suggest donating to aid the wonderful people on the ground who continue with rescue efforts,” they said.
The search for those still missing is continuing as authorities work to reach people affected by the flooding and landslides.
SOURCE: NEWS 24
https://www.news24.com.au/news/australia/family-of-perth-man-luke-costanzo-holds-out-hope-after-he-went-missing-during-pilgrimage-trek-in-nepal/news-story/9c4d4ee05f7c2689c89062e4ff1b023f
