Body found in search for missing teenager who vanished on hike near Dracula's Castle
A body has tragically been found in the search for a missing teenager who vanished when on a solo hike in Romania.
George Smyth, 18, a geology student at the University of Bristol, went missing in November of last year. He set off on a solo hike in Romania’s Bucegi Mountains, near the famous Bran Castle, referred to as 'Dracula’s Castle' near Transylvania.
On Saturday (15 August) Avon and Somerset Police said a body found in the Bucegi Mountain region of the country is believed to be that of Mr Smyth. His family have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.
The teenager had gone missing on the hike after he had set off from the Poiana Brasov neighbourhood. He had reached Tiganesti Valley, where he called rescue teams that he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia, according to rescuers.
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Although he was an experienced climber, the teen was forced to battle difficult weather conditions and was warned to turn around after contacting a rescue team for help.
Mountain rescue teams among police and a specialist helicopter were involved in the operation but suffered difficulties due to the weather conditions and snow.
"We are devastated"
In a heartbreaking statement, Mr Smyth’s family thanked the rescuers who helped in the search for him as they said the 'torture of waiting is finally over'.
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.
“We want to thank Salvamont Mountain Rescue, who have worked tirelessly since November searching for George, despite very difficult and often dangerous conditions.
“They are an amazing team, and have remained in constant communication, helping us greatly throughout this awful time.
“We would also like to thank Avon and Somerset Police and University of Bristol, who have gone above and beyond to try and find George, and to support us as a family.
“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. We would appreciate privacy while we continue to come to terms with this loss.”
Efforts will be made to return Mr Smyth’s body to Bristol once formal identification has taken place.
Police issue statement after body found
Avon and Somerset Police said they had been informed of the discovery by authorities in Romania. Formal identification is still due to take place, but it is believed to be the missing 18-year-old.
A spokesperson for the force said: "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.
"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.
"Officers have notified George’s family of this development, and our deepest thoughts are with them during this difficult time. They continue to be offered the support of a family liaison officer.
"George’s family have expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported in the search for George, especially those in Romania, but they now request privacy and time to process and grieve."
Topics: UK News, World News
James Holt