What we know about missing person Steven Harper
The British cyclist disappeared after eating a "potentially lethal mushroom" in France, according to his brother.
A British man who disappeared in France may have eaten poisonous mushrooms while foraging for food, his brother has said.
Cyclist Steven Harper, from Dundee, was originally trying to complete a journey from Scotland to India when his bike and bank card were stolen, causing him to lose contact with friends and family since 23 November. The 38-year-old’s last known location was near the French border with Monaco, where his brother Dale Harper, 40, believes he spent a night on a hill. Dale says his younger sibling’s last message mentioned he “had ingested a potentially lethal mushroom while foraging for food”
The family has not heard from him since and are seeking any information about his whereabouts. Dale has joined the search for his brother in France who he hasn’t seen in person since he left Dundee last year. He told the BBC: "Steven said he had been throwing up but he felt better. But it was radio silence from then. He had almost everything taken from him in Nice. It’s not unusual not to see Steven for long periods, but he had an itinerary and gives pretty regular updates on his movements."
What we know about the disappearance
Steven, who had been journeying through Andorra, Spain, and France, was last seen in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a hilltop location between the principality and the town of Menton. His last post on social media was "geotagged" to this location before he disappeared. He was staying in Bastide-de-Serou and then planned to make his way along the south coast with the intention of crossing into Italy.
In November, he was attacked in Barcelona, where his bike and most of his possessions were stolen. At the time of his disappearance, it is believed that Steven had a sleeping bag and some personal items. In the days before his disappearance, Steven had shared several images on his Facebook profile.
Dale said Steven’s sister-in-law had received a message saying he felt ill after boiling and eating mushrooms he had foraged.
Dale added it appeared he brother was robbed in Barcelona and not Nice and he had left Barcelona at midnight. He added they believed he might be traveling via Auto Stop as it is illegal to hitchhike, so he would get lifts at petrol stations.
Police in France, Italy, and Monaco have now joined the search, and his missing appeal has also been posted on Missing People Scotland by their mum, Angela Bear.
The Foreign Office added: "We are supporting the family of a British man and are in contact with the local authorities."
What Steven’s family says
Dale Harper told the BBC: “I have just been crying uncontrollably at times. Me and Steven didn't see each other all the time but we were still very close.
"We think he could have wandered into Italy. He might have been confused. We just don't know at the moment."
Dale added an update on Facebook: “I walked the coastline from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin at Stevens' last known location to Ventimiglia yesterday. The day before we walked the coast from Ventimiglia to Sanremo. If Steven survived the mushrooms he would fit well in Italy and he would be able to survive going along the coast with very little to no money.
“The weather is getting very cold at night but days are still warm. There are showers and water taps all along the coast. There is fresh fruit hanging from the trees along with dates. Water and fruit sounds about right for Steven.
“The problem is not knowing and thinking he may be living in a debilitated state. We're of the mindset he may also still have his guitar and may be busking along the route. “
Steven’s mum Angela Bear also posted an appeal on the Missing People Scotland page.
She wrote: “This is my son, Steven ( Stevie Harp; Stevie Harp ), younger brother to Dale Harper, older brother to Kirstie Bear. Steven was last heard from on 23/11/2023 just outside Monaco after touring France and Spain for just over a year by cycle."
