George Smyth, an 18-year-old University of Bristol student, vanished while hiking in Romania's Bucegi Mountains on Nov. 14 and made an emergency call nine days later before being declared missing. Severe weather, dense fog and high avalanche risk hampered search efforts. Rescuers recovered his backpack—containing a sleeping bag, tent and food—near his last known location. Smyth’s family has issued a heartfelt statement mourning his loss and asking people to share memories as search teams remain on standby.
Family Mourns Teen Who Vanished Near 'Dracula's Castle' During Romanian Hike
Salvamont Brasov FacebookGeorge Smyth
The family of 18-year-old University of Bristol student George Smyth has issued a public statement grieving his disappearance after he went missing while hiking in Romania's Bucegi Mountains on Nov. 14.
Smyth was hiking toward the Bran commune near Brașov—home to the landmark popularly known as "Dracula's Castle"—when he lost contact with others. Nine days after setting out, on Nov. 23, he placed an emergency call and was shortly thereafter declared missing, rescuers said.
Harsh Conditions and Difficult Terrain
Sebastian Marinescu, director of Salvamont Brașov, told the BBC that Smyth was in a very isolated, hard-to-reach part of the Bucegi range. At the time, the mountains were battered by extremely severe weather: strong winds, heavy snowfall and dense fog. Teams also faced a high and persistent avalanche risk and growing snow accumulation, complicating search efforts.
GettyColtii Morarului peak and Bucsoiu peek as seen from Grecului peak
Rescuers later located Smyth's backpack near the area where he made the emergency call. According to local reports and The Times, the pack contained substantial equipment—including a sleeping bag, tent and food—which left search teams puzzled about how he became separated from his gear and where he might have gone.
"We are deeply sorry for the pain we all share. We are incredibly moved by your love for George, which is a fitting reflection of what he means to us all," the family wrote via Newport Salop Rugby Club's Facebook page.
"George was a phenomenally kind and selfless person, fiercely loyal to his friends and full of energy and enthusiasm for everything he did. We will never forget George’s unique character. It is cruel beyond belief that George is now lost to us," the family added.
The family said they will "treasure every moment" and asked friends, teammates and the wider community to share memories and stories of George. They added: "When the mountains that took him are ready to let go, George will be found, and we will bring him home to say goodbye."
Local rescue officials said Smyth appeared disoriented, exhausted and showing signs of hypothermia when he placed the emergency call. Specially trained mountain rescuers remain on standby and prepared to act should new information or credible leads emerge.
Neither the University of Bristol, Newport Salop Rugby Club, nor Zărnești Local Public Mountain Rescue Service immediately responded to requests for additional comment. The case continues to draw attention from local and international media and has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from those who knew him.
Sources: Salvamont Brașov, BBC, The Times, Newport Salop Rugby Club, People.
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