Melbourne man Jake Michael Herd found dead in Kazakhstan Mountains

The heartbroken family of a Melbourne man who died on a hike with friends in Kazakhstan say they feel “just so lost”.

The heartbroken family of a Melbourne man who died on a hike with friends in Kazakhstan say they are “just so lost” without their son.

Jake Herd, 27, was confirmed dead after he was reported missing while hiking in difficult terrain in Kazakhstan in recent days.

His devastated family were notified by authorities just after 10pm Tuesday that the former Melbourne University student’s body had been found.

Mr Herd was excelling as an judge’s associate at the Supreme Court of Victoria, and loved hiking and travelling with his friends.

Jake Herd on his hike in Kazakhstan just days before his body was found. Picture: Supplied

“I’ve never heard him say a bad word about anyone, ever,” his mother Wendy Costa told the Herald Sun.

“He was very determined and such a hard worker.”

His father, Dale Herd, spoke of his son’s love for motorbikes, making music, hiking and studying.

“He always had his head in the books, he just loved his job and worked so hard,” he said.

“And when he wasn’t doing that, he was out on his motorbike or playing the drums or guitar.”

The 27-year-old had just finished hiking in Italy and Scotland before Kazakhstan and was tackling difficult terrain on Monday when the weather turned sour.

Looking back through her grandfather’s artefacts from WWII that was handed down to her, Ms Costa said she fears her son’s legacy would be lost when she and his father Dale Herd passed away.

“He was my only child, and now he’s gone,” she added as she was brought to tears.

“You know what the hardest part is? Once I go, his legacy is gone.

“It’s gone, (all the memories) all gone, that’s what hurts the most because he was meant to do it with his children one day. I adored him.”

His parents are waiting for his body to return home.

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The Australian tourist killed in a mountain tragedy in Kazakhstan worked at the Victorian Supreme Court

Jake Herd had worked as a “highly valued” judge’s associate for the last year.

“The Supreme Court was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the death of Jake Herd,” a Supreme Court spokeswoman said.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Counselling services are being made available for those at the Court who knew and worked with Jake.”

Authorities in the Central Asian country earlier confirmed Mr Herd had been found dead.

Police said they found his body near Big Almaty Lake in the Tian Shan mountains at an altitude of around 2500 metres.

Jake Herd was an Associate to the Honourable Justice Nichols. Source: LinkedIn

Rescuers said he showed no signs of a violent death and that he was found with his documents and all personal belongings.

According to local media, the one-day rescue operation involved around 80 rescuers, police officers and volunteers as well as a one cynological team.

It is believed Mr Herd had fell down before he tragically died.

Jake Michael Herd was missing for three days before he was found dead. Picture: Supplied

State news agency Kazinform reported that the man arrived in Almaty last weekend on holiday and was due to leave Monday, citing an acquaintance.

Kazakhstan has implemented a visa-free regime for short stays for citizens of over 50 countries.