Missing Student Found
Body Found in Romanian Mountains Believed to Be Missing Bristol Student George Smyth
Key Points
The initial search operation in the Bucegi Mountains was abandoned due to difficult conditions, with huge volumes of snow still covering the area, before a second operation was conducted in June.
A backpack believed to belong to George Smyth was recovered at the search site early on, indicating that he had left traces behind during the initial search.
Smyth’s mother told Observator News that he had left his UK college trip without telling them, and reports note his phone last had a signal in an isolated area in the mountains near the Tiganesti Valley.
The Salvamont Mountain Rescue team was praised by the family for tireless work and for maintaining constant communication throughout the search.
A body found in Romania's Bucegi Mountains is believed to be George Smyth, an 18-year-old geology student who vanished during a solo hike in November, BBC reports. Avon and Somerset Police have notified his family, who described the wait for news as "torturous."
Smyth, from Shropshire and studying at the University of Bristol, disappeared on November 23 after calling emergency services to say he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia. The body has not yet been formally identified, and an autopsy is pending, according to Yahoo News.
Emergency Call Was the Last Sign of Life
Smyth made an emergency call during his hike near Bran — the area known for Dracula's Castle — and the Valea Gigănesti region, BBC reported. He told rescuers he was exhausted and feared hypothermia. That call was the last contact anyone had with him.
His phone's last signal was traced to an isolated spot in the mountains near the Tiganesti Valley, according to Yahoo News. Smyth's mother told Romanian outlet Observator News that he had left a UK college trip without telling his family. A backpack believed to be his was recovered early in the search.
Snow and Avalanche Risk Halted First Search
The initial rescue operation in the Bucegi Mountains had to be abandoned. Huge volumes of snow and avalanche risks made conditions too dangerous, BBC reported. Teams could not safely reach the area where Smyth was believed to have gone.
A second, full search operation was launched in June, when conditions improved. It was during this operation that the body was found. The Salvamont Mountain Rescue team led the effort, maintaining what the family called "constant communication" throughout the months-long ordeal, according to AU Yahoo News.
Family Devastated but Grateful for Rescue Effort
Smyth's family said they are devastated by the news. In a statement, they praised the Salvamont Mountain Rescue team for their "tireless work," according to BBC. They also thanked local Romanian authorities, the University of Bristol, and Avon and Somerset Police for their support.
The family asked for privacy as they grieve. They described the months of waiting as "torturous" but said they were grateful to finally have answers, Head Topics reported. Formal identification still depends on autopsy results, which have not yet been completed.
What Happens Next: Autopsy to Confirm Identity
Romanian authorities have not yet formally confirmed the body is Smyth's. An autopsy must be completed first, according to Yahoo News. Brașov Mountain Rescue reported finding the body but noted that official identification requires the medical examination to conclude.
Until the autopsy is done, the case remains open. Avon and Somerset Police are working with Romanian authorities on next steps. The University of Bristol has not yet made a public statement following the discovery, BBC reported.
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