American tourist Toby Sheets, who was reported missing last week on the Greek island of Mathraki, was found dead on a secluded beach on June 17, 2024, local authorities have confirmed. The discovery of the 55-year-old’s body by another visitor marks yet another tourist death on the Greek islands during a severe heatwave.
Sheets, a resident of Floral Park, Long Island, New York, was last sighted on June 11 in a local café in the company of two women who have since departed from the island. His Greek-American host reported him missing two days later upon returning to their accommodation to find the door ajar, lights and air conditioning on, but no trace of Sheets. His ID and travel documents were also missing.
The island of Mathraki, known for its lush forests and a population of roughly 100, is located west of Corfu. Sheets was discovered on a rocky beach and his body was subsequently transported to a hospital on Corfu for post-mortem examination. The autopsy revealed that Sheets had been in the water for several days and died of drowning. As the location where he was found had been searched earlier, it’s speculated that the ocean current had moved his body onto the beach at some later point.
Sheets had a long-term association with horse racing legend and Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, having been his assistant trainer. Asmussen is recognized as the top Thoroughbred horse trainer in North America in terms of victories.
Reports about the incident were broadcast by the Greek public broadcaster ERT and the Athens News Agency, emphasizing the extreme weather Greece is currently enduring. The country is in the grips of its earliest recorded heatwave, with temperatures climbing above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The heatwave has resulted in numerous fatalities and a series of missing person reports.
Greek officials are advising tourists to be cautious, particularly when participating in outdoor activities during the hottest times of the day.
The intense heatwave has claimed the lives of a number of tourists in recent weeks. On Samos Island, a 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found dead in a ravine after a lone hike. Similarly, British TV presenter and columnist Dr. Michael Mosley was found deceased on Symi Island after collapsing during a hike. His wife reported that he had taken a wrong turn just prior to reaching a marina, leading to his body being found in a less visible area.
Retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, Albert Calibet, is also among the missing. The 59-year-old American was last seen on Amorgos Island where he ventured on a solo hike in the extreme heat. The search for Calibet is still underway.
Additionally, two French women, ages 64 and 73, have been reported missing on Sikinos Island. After leaving their respective hotels, the women planned to meet but have not been seen since. Rescue teams are persistently searching the rugged island landscapes, often dealing with the intense heat and challenging topography.
Southern Aegean region police spokesman Petros Vassilakis expressed his concern over the safety of tourists who might not fully understand the dangers of Greece’s harsh summer climate, stating, “There is a common pattern—they all went for a hike amid high temperatures.”
The Greek government has responded to the heatwave by closing schools and popular tourist attractions like the Acropolis during peak heat hours. Officials are considering implementing improved measures to increase tourist awareness of the risks of heat exhaustion and to promote safer travel practices.
As the search for the missing tourists continues, Greek officials are focused on ensuring the safety of those visiting the region.
