‘I don’t sleep anymore’: Mum of Somerset holidaymaker missing in Sardinia

  • Michael Frison's mother Cristina Pittalis speaks to ITV News West Country reporter Rob Murphy

The mother of a Somerset man who went missing in Sardinia six months ago has spoken of her anguish as the investigation into his disappearance continues.

Cristina Pittalis’ son Michael Frison, from Chard, went missing while visiting the Italian island in July.

The 25-year-old had gone to see his grandparents, and travelled to the remote Luras region on July 12th.

The following day, he went for a walk and has not been seen since.

Michael disappeared while in Sardinia in July.

“I don’t sleep anymore,” Cristina told ITV News West Country.

“If I manage to have some sleep, I wake up in a panic. I have nightmares. I miss Michael constantly - it’s always on my mind.”

While in Sardinia, Michael met up with a friend he had met online.

The friend, called Niomi, assisted Italian authorities with their search and investigation at the time but has since left Sardinia.

Cristina is keen to talk to Niomi in the hope she has any information that might help her search for her son.

The official search for Michael was called off after 10 days - but Cristina has given up hope. Credit: ITV News

‘I believe it’s vital…to talk to her again’

“I believe it’s vital for the authorities to talk to her again,” Cristina added. 

“Not because she’s accused of anything but because through the weeks and months, she may have remembered something that is important - something that could help the investigation, and help me find my son.”

The official search for Michael - which involved drones, a helicopter, a mountain rescue team and volunteers - was called off after 10 days.

Cristina has since taken it upon herself to search for Michael along with family and friends.

Michael Frison disappeared in Sardinia in July 2024 Credit: Family handout

“Michael’s brother and I were invited by many kind friends to spend the Christmas with them [in Sardinia],” she said. 

“But we chose to stay home hoping for Michael to knock on the door and come back - and that didn’t happen.

“Let’s not forget that Michael left all of his belongings, including his ID. Therefore, there is the hope that he is still on the island. It is a big island but it is not impossible to keep looking for him.”

The Italian authorities have started a criminal investigation, which is ongoing.