Body found in search for missing Bristol student in Romania

via Facebook

A body has been found in the Romanian mountains after an 18-year-old British student went missing while hiking alone last November.

George Smyth, a geology student at the University of Bristol, disappeared while walking in the Bucegi Mountains near the village of Bran.

Avon and Somerset Police said on Saturday that a body found in the mountains was believed to be that of Mr Smyth. His family have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer.

In a statement released through the force, his family said: “We are devastated by George’s death. He was the best of us and is deeply missed by his younger brothers, family and friends.”

They thanked Salvamont Mountain Rescue for their months-long search despite “very difficult and often dangerous conditions”, as well as Avon and Somerset Police and the University of Bristol for their continuous support.

“Although this latest news is incredibly painful, the torture of waiting is finally over, so we can now focus on bringing George home and saying goodbye,” the family said.

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Efforts will be made to return Mr Smyth’s body to Bristol once formal identification has taken place.

Mr Smyth had set off from Poiana Brasov intending to walk to Bran. According to information pieced together by rescuers, he reached the Tiganesti valley before calling the 112 emergency line for assistance, reporting exhaustion and hypothermia.

His family have asked for privacy as they come to terms with this loss.