Move to bring backpacker's body home

Preparations will begin today for the repatriation of the body of Irish backpacker Ronan Lawlor from South America.

The 28-year-old went missing on November 18 after hiking in the Torres del Paine national park on the Argentina-Chile border.

The Co Laois man’s body was discovered by tourists in a remote spot of the park on Saturday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is liaising with the Lawlor family and the Chilean authorities to arrange for the repatriation to Ireland of the remains.

A massive search operation using helicopters and sniffer dogs was launched in Torres del Paine park in November but later called off when no traces were found.

The Lawlor family has thanked the Chilean authorities for their assistance and also praised the support given by Irish people.