A body has been found in the search for a British teenager who went missing while on a hiking trip in Romania after making a desperate call for help.
George Smyth, an 18-year-old geology student at the University of Bristol, disappeared while hiking alone in Valea Gigănesti in November. He had called emergency services, saying he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia.
Search and Discovery
Avon and Somerset Police said today: "A body has been found as part of the search for missing 18-year-old George, who went missing while hiking in Romania. We have been notified by local authorities in Romania that a body had been found in the Bucegi Mountain region of the European country."
They added: "While formal identification has not yet taken place, it is believed to be George Smyth, a geology university student from Bristol, who went missing in November 2025."
Family's Response
George's family have been notified and are being supported, police added. His loved ones said: "We are all 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, saying: "They are an amazing team, and have remained in constant communication, helping us greatly throughout this awful time." The family also thanked Avon and Somerset Police and the University of Bristol.
The family added: "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."
