Search called off for missing runner in Madeira

Authorities on the Portuguese island of Madeira called off the search for the missing British trail runner, Darren Kay, who disappeared three weeks ago while on a run in the village of Calheta.

Kay and his partner went for a one-hour run together from their holiday Airbnb, but when she stopped, he said he would carry on for another 30 minutes or so. Kay’s partner notified authorities within a few hours after they parted ways on the trail, but he did not return.

Local news reported on Dec. 24 that authorities on the island had ceased the search for the 52-year-old. Kay’s family has continued to search, and has raised more than $20,000 through a Gofundme campaign to help find the missing runner.

Kay, who is originally from Bolton but resides in Sedbergh, U.K., was on holiday in the town of Calheta with his partner and was last seen by his partner before he went off for a run on his own.

Kay’s brother told the BBC that bad conditions and high tides stopped the search party from accessing some areas on the island early on. Madeira is known for its stunning trails, rugged terrain, high cliffs, volcanoes and rocky beaches.

This is the fourth runner in the last two years to go missing without a trace on the island while running alone. Local news reports that three of the four were staying in the Calheta area when they went missing.