Body found in Perthshire hills confirmed as missing team GB runner Chris Smith
The 43 year-old set off for a run on the afternoon of Tuesday October 27 in the Glenlyon area and was expected back at around 5pm that day.
His body was found at around 11am on Thursday after a major search operation involving Tayside Mountain Rescue Team, police and coastguard officials.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPolice Scotland confirmed today that the body found near to Meall Garbh in the Glenlyon area, has been identified as 43 year-old Chris Smith.
There are no apparent suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.
Inspector Emma Bowman, of Tayside Police Division, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Chris’s family and we will continue to provide assistance and support to them.
“I would also like to thank everyone, including members of the public, and the local community for their support in sharing our appeals to help find Chris.”
A family statement shared on social media read: “On behalf of our entire family, we are devastated to let you know that Chris has lost his life in Glen Lyon. He was doing what he
loved having spent the previous days having the most special time with (wife and children) Lindsay, Cameron and Alastair.
“We would like to thank everyone for the support they have given us, in particular the mountain rescue teams, emergency services, members of the public and Chris’s friends that
joined the search.
“We will always treasure his energy, spirit and love. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAthletes weekly reported that Mr Smith took part in multiple world and European mountain running championships from 2011-2017, finishing eighth at the European event in 2013 and 10th at the world event in Wales in 2015 – winning team medals at those events.
Sarah Rowell, team leader for the British mountain running squads that Smith was part of, said: “Chris was all you could ask for in an athlete, resilient in over-coming early
performances where he did not run as well as he could, before going on to becoming a core member of the GB team.
“A total professional in how he prepared for races and great fun afterwards whatever the result. Importantly he had time for everyone and was always ready to help and give advice
to those trying to take his place on the team. I feel privileged to have known him and supported him on the team, he will be missed by all and our condolences to his family.”
Andy Douglas, one of his team-mates, said: “Chris was a role model for everyone to look up to on the GB mountain running team. He was always someone I could go to to settle
those pre-race nerves and just have a laugh with. But once the starting gun went he was the fiercest of competitors; someone that would always give their all when representing his
country.
“His longevity in the sport is something that will always inspire me. I can’t believe he’s no longer with us, Chris, it’s been an absolute honour and privilege to call you a team-mate.”