Missing trekker's pals ride to Ladakh to fulfil his dream

The trio set out on expedition to traverse second highest motoring road in the world as tribute to their missing friend, Justin Shetler

Justin Shetler's Royal Enfield, which his friend will ride on the trip

The search operation for their missing friend Justin Shetler has brought Jonathan Skeels, Tom McElroy and Christofer Lee together for the first time. To honour the memory of their friend, who has been missing since October 3, the trio are fulfilling his lifelong dream of taking a 490-km motorcycle trip to Leh and Ladakh, wherein Jonathan will be riding Justin's bike that he had brought to Manali from Nepal before he went missing.

Perfect tribute
Speaking to mid-day from Himachal before starting the expedition, Jonathan said, "Justin had planned on participating in this expedition soon after coming from Parvati Valley, but unfortunately, he went missing." Justin's friends want to fulfil his dreams before they return to their respective countries, "therefore, we three have decided to go for the motorcycle expedition, a perfect tribute to Justin," said Jonathan.

Also Read: Missing American trekker Justin Shetler's mother to return home alone

He added, "With a number of down days waiting for results, three of us will set out Monday morning from Manali to ride Justin's Royal Enfield motorcycle to Leh and Ladakh." The friends want to complete the journey Justin had intended, traversing the second highest motoring road in the world. As it will be extremely cold, they have spent the last few days gathering supplies.

Police speak
Meanwhile, the police are continuing their search. Speaking to mid-day, Superintendent of Police (Kullu) Padam Chand said, "We are probing the case from an accidental and homicidal angle. We arrested the porter Anil Singh, from Nepal, but nothing concrete has come out of him. We are awaiting reports of forensic experts who studied the location and found a jacket," Chand said. "We have no registration of Justin's arrivals in our FRRO records. He was staying in jungles and mountain areas, and we have no way to know about his arrival, as the location he was staying in is a no man's land," Chand added.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!