Body believed to be missing Bristol student found in Romanian mountains
A body thought to be that of George Smyth, an 18-year-old University of Bristol student who vanished in Romania’s Bucegi range, has been located.
University of Bristol student George Smyth, 18, went missing on a November hike in Romania’s Bucegi mountains and was reported absent on 23 November. After weeks of daily searches by Brașov Mountain Rescue, local authorities informed Avon and Somerset Police that a body had been discovered in the region, believed to be Smyth’s though identification has not yet been completed. His family described the loss as devastating and praised the work of Salvamont Mountain Rescue, the Romanian police, and the university for their support.
Prior to disappearing, Smyth had contacted rescuers from Tiganesti, reporting disorientation and exhaustion in a remote, weather-hit area. His former school, Haberdashers' Adams, and his rugby club, Newport (Salop) RUFC, issued statements of concern and remembrance. Police will conduct forensic examinations and arrange repatriation of the remains to Bristol, while the family requests privacy during their mourning.
Why it matters
The discovery ends a months-long search for a missing student and highlights the dangers of mountain hiking abroad.
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