An England fan who disappeared two weeks ago while traveling to the World Cup has been found in a Barcelona pub, unaware of the international search for him. Michael Hewitt, 65, was last heard from on June 21 and had told his family he was traveling to Boston, Massachusetts, to watch England's match against Ghana.
His family launched an appeal after he failed to arrive in Boston and lost contact, fearing he had vanished. The situation took a positive turn when an off-duty British police officer, on holiday in Barcelona, recognized Hewitt by his Leeds United shirt. The officer, also a Leeds fan, exchanged a club salute with Hewitt before later identifying him through a social media post.
Hewitt's brother, Gary, described the immense relief upon hearing his brother's voice, admitting he had feared the worst and thought he might never hear from him again. He expressed a mix of emotions, wanting to both hug and reprimand his brother upon their eventual conversation.
It emerged that Hewitt had not secured a ticket for the England-Ghana game, which was the condition for his onward travel to Boston. He lost his phone shortly after arriving in Barcelona and, without his passport or wallet being compromised, saw no urgent need to contact his family or authorities. He reportedly spent ten days in Barcelona, enjoying local drinks and taking his time.
His brother Gary noted that Hewitt was in a unique position to learn what his loved ones truly thought of him while still alive, after reading the messages left by concerned friends and family. Michael Hewitt, known as 'Little Mick,' is a dedicated Leeds United supporter who has followed the club to numerous matches over the years.