Body found in search for missing Brit, 18, who vanished in mountains near Dracula’s castle on solo hiking trip

A BODY has been found during the search for a Brit teenager who vanished in the snowy mountains around Dracula’s castle in Romania. Bristol university student George Smyth, 18, went missing while on a solo hiking trip in Valea Gigănesti in November. A body has been found in the search for George Smyth, 18 Credit: Jam Press/Newport Salop RUFC Local authorities had been searching deep snow during search efforts Credit: Jam Press/Salvamont Brasov The teen was last heard from when he told emergency services he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia during the 2025 trip. An initial search for him was called off before a second one was launched in June. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Harsh winter conditions forced authorities to abandon the original search efforts. Avon and Somerset Police said today: “A body has been found as part of the search for missing 18-year-old George, who went missing while hiking in Romania. The teen went missing in November Credit: Newsflash Credit: Jam Press/Salvamont Brasov “We have been notified by local authorities in Romania that a body had been found in the Bucegi Mountain region of the European country.” They added: “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.” The Brit teen’s family have been notified and are being supported, cops added. George’s loved ones said: “We are all devastated by George’s death. Most read in The Sun The Brit was last heard from in November Credit: Newsflash George went missing when the mountains were covered by a thick layer of snow Credit: Jam Press/Salvamont Brasov “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.” They also thanked Avon and Somerset Police and University of Bristol. His heartbroken family added: “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.” A full autopsy is currently being carried out to determine the exact identity of the body. During the search, rescuers said some sections of the mountain where George went missing remained buried under snow measuring between six and 10ft deep. Some accumulations of snow exceeded 10ft, complicating search efforts. George, from Newport, Shropshire, disappeared while trekking in the Bucegi Mountains on November 23. The teen had not told his family he was going on the trip. Rescue teams said he set off from the mountain resort of Poiana Brasov. He was intending to walk to the village of Bran – famous for Bran Castle, which is rumoured to have been Dracula’s home. Piecing together his movements, rescuers think he managed to reach the Tiganesti Valley where he then rang the 112 emergency line. He told the call handler he was exhausted and hypothermic, and pleaded with them to help. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now