British student George Smyth found dead in Romania

The body of 18-year-old British student George Smyth, who went missing while hiking in Romania last November, has been found, Avon and Somerset Police said. Smyth, a geology student at the University of Bristol, disappeared after setting out from Poiana Brașov towards Bran. Formal identification will take place before his remains are returned to the UK.

Smyth made an emergency call from the Țigănești area, saying he was lost in severe weather with strong winds, heavy snow and dense fog. Mountain rescuers said at the time that he was disoriented, exhausted and showing signs of hypothermia. A search involving dogs, drones and helicopters was launched but initially found no trace. Rescuers from Salvamont resumed searches on Wednesday and later discovered the body.

Smyth's family said they were 'devastated' and that the discovery ended 'the torture of waiting'. They thanked Romanian rescuers for persisting through difficult conditions, and asked for privacy as they grieve. 'He was the best of us and is deeply missed,' they said.