Overview
- George Smyth, 18, from Newport and studying at the University of Bristol, was reported missing on November 23 near Bran in Romania’s Bucegi range.
- He called emergency services reporting disorientation, exhaustion and signs of hypothermia, with his phone last connecting near the Țigănești Valley at about 6,562 feet.
- Salvamont Brașov’s director said conditions featured strong winds, heavy snowfall and dense fog, with a persistent avalanche risk in the search area.
- Searchers later found his backpack containing a sleeping bag, tent and food in the vicinity of the call location, though no further trace was located.
- In a statement shared via Newport Salop Rugby Club, his family described him as “phenomenally kind and selfless” and invited memories as they grieve his loss.