Authorities have found a body in the Bucegi Mountains of Romania during the search for 18-year-old British hiker George Smyth, who disappeared nine months ago. The discovery was announced by Avon and Somerset Police on Saturday.
Smyth, a geology student from Newport, Shropshire, was on a solo hiking trip when contact was lost in November. He had reportedly made an emergency call to services stating he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia. His parents had not been informed of the trip.
Local authorities in Romania notified the police that a body had been discovered in the Bucegi Mountain region. While formal identification is pending, authorities believe the body to be that of George Smyth. His family has been informed and is receiving support. They described themselves as "devastated" by the news, stating he was "the best of us" and is deeply missed.
The family extended their gratitude to Salvamont Mountain Rescue, Avon and Somerset Police, and the University of Bristol. They noted that while the news is "incredibly painful," the end of the waiting period will allow them to focus on bringing George home and saying goodbye.
A second search operation was conducted in June in Valea Giganesti, an area where the teenager is believed to have been last seen. The initial search effort, carried out shortly after his disappearance, was abandoned due to severe weather conditions and heavy snow.
According to rescue teams, Smyth departed from Poiana Brasov with the intention of hiking to Bran, a village known for Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. His last known location was in a remote and difficult-to-access mountain area, over 6,562 feet above sea level, where he contacted emergency services.
After his mother located his phone, she discovered his last signal was from the remote mountain area where he made a distressing call. Search teams found his backpack in the same vicinity shortly after the call. Despite initial searches, no further trace of Smyth was found at that time.
In January, Smyth's family had indicated they had begun to accept the possibility of his death, stating, "When the mountains that took him are ready to let go, George will be found, and we will bring him home to say goodbye."
An autopsy is being conducted to confirm the identity of the body. The family has requested privacy during this time as they come to terms with their loss.