Body found in search for missing 18-year-old George

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. 

George’s family 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.” 

Forensic enquiries will now take place to confirm the identity and then efforts will be made to return the deceased to Bristol.