Body found in Romanian mountains believed to be missing British student

A body believed to be George Smyth, an 18-year-old British geology student from Shropshire, has been found in the Bucegi Mountains of Romania. Smyth had been missing since November 23 after a solo hiking trip.

Smyth, a student at the University of Bristol, had made an emergency call from the Țigănești area reporting that he was disoriented, physically exhausted, and suffering from hypothermia. Search operations involving drones, helicopters, and canine teams were conducted by the Salvamont mountain rescue service, but extreme weather conditions—including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dense fog—had previously hindered efforts.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they were notified by Romanian authorities regarding the discovery. While formal identification is still pending, the body is believed to be his. Once identification is complete, efforts will be made to repatriate his remains to the United Kingdom. Smyth's family expressed they are “devastated” by the news and thanked the rescue teams and police for their tireless work during the months of uncertainty.