Jamie Neal, Garret Hand Missing: Calif. couple vanishes during Peruvian bike tour

By: Casey Glynn
Topics: Daily Blotter

Jamie Neal, left, and her boyfriend, Garrett Hand, right, were last seen in Cusco, Peru in late January 2013.

/ Facebook

(CBS) SACRAMENTO - The U.S. State Department is getting involved in the search for a Bay area California couple who vanished in Peru almost a month ago.

Pictures: Calif. couple missing in Peru

According to CBS Sacramento, 27-year-old Jamie Neal and her 25-year-old boyfriend Garret Hand were last seen in late January in Cusco. Neal's family says they're working with the U.S. Embassy in Peru to find out what happened to the couple, who were reportedly on a bicycle tour through the country.

"I'm completely worried about her. I understand there are some dangerous areas and the places they were visiting have some warnings right now, for American tourists," said Kim Jerge, owner of the bike shop where Jamie worked, CBS Sacramento reports.

A friend of the couple, Max Hunter, told The Seattle Times that the two regularly posted on Facebook during their trip, but that the last post came on January 25. He said that was also the day Neal and Hand stopped using their credit cards.

15 Photos

Calif. couple missing in Peru

View the Full Gallery »

19 Comments +

Add a Comment

See all 19 Comments


by Oti199999 February 26, 2013 12:27 PM EST: Peru is no a country in conflict or in war. Peruvians embrace the American culture, American people, American music. In fact, Peru is the fastest growing country in South America. Cusco receives around 2000 tourists per day and has been doing so for decades. It is extremely rare to hear about attacks on tourists in Peru. Now, Cusco has a very difficult geography, the altitud and abundant mountains make it almost impossible to bike and difficult to get oriented on the winding ways. I certainly hope this couple is just lost and working on finding their way back.; Reply to this comment


by LyingPols February 26, 2013 6:55 AM EST: Traveling through impoverished areas with very expensive bikes? Unwise. They are most likely dead. Very sad.; Reply to this comment


by Gold-Wings February 25, 2013 8:39 PM EST: My service overseas taught me that you should have a good understanding of where you're going, the residents, and any hot spots. If you don't know, don't go. Once you're in trouble in a foreign ountry it's TOO LATE to figure things out.; Reply to this comment


by firebase-gloria February 25, 2013 8:24 PM EST: Taking in the sights while stationed offshore various places was good. Many places hate Americans and / or treat them with disrespect. Based on those learnings, I suggest you contact the State Department first. Consider, also, State's information about customs, traditions, and taboos. Individuals in many countries can be easily offended - and that can turn into bruises and contusions onyourbody. Safety is not stupidity, it may save your life.; Reply to this comment


by realtimecoffee February 25, 2013 8:24 PM EST: by erasmus111 February 25, 2013 7:11 PM EST
I wrote my replies in the box at the bottom of the page, and not in the "reply to this comment" section because when the replies are written there, they quite often don't show up. You have to write them as a "new" comment. It seems to be happening in the stories where the comments still have the "date and time".
---
Nice tip! And I am sorry for these guys. Hope it turns out okay.; Reply to this comment


by modalita February 25, 2013 8:19 PM EST: These two dolts make upwards of 15 times what the Peruvian poor do, and going into areas unguided is just asking for trouble.

They could achieve the same effect by going into the ghetto of a large US city.; Reply to this comment


by Swingmanic February 25, 2013 8:10 PM EST: As an Englishman in Iowa 20 years ago I was asked where I was from, to which I replied England!..The person who asked had only heard of New England in the US and had never heard of England in the UK...I've now moved to Western Australia and was asked by an American in an online chat room, "What country is that in?"...Maybe this couple have the same problem and have gotten lost! :o))
In all seriousness, I hope they are found safe and well and that the people posting the crass comments here eat their words should this couple be found murdered somewhere!
Robert Bogucki (born 1966) is an American firefighter from Alaska famous for having survived 43 days lost in Western Australia's Great Sandy Desert before being rescued.Whilst police called off the initial search for Bogucki after 12 days, family members hired specialist trackers to continue the search and soon found fresh evidence that Bogucki had survived at least that long.<<< I'm sure Australians picked up the tab on this story, but I'm not complaining!!; Reply to this comment


by T_Sip February 25, 2013 8:00 PM EST: Am I suppose to feel sorry for these two? Look deep in my eyes and see if you see anyone in there who gives a crap.; Reply to this comment


by werntrouble February 25, 2013 7:52 PM EST: I've visited Peru only a couple of years ago, both Cusco and Macchu Pichu. It was a great trip and, compared to Ecquador, it seemed very safe and the people were extremely friendly and helpful. Of course, I was with a tour company, so I may not have seen the darker side, but I can tell you that Cusco is a very clean and safe place.; Reply to this comment