Body found in search for Brit, 18, who vanished near Dracula’s castle

A body has been found in the search for a British teenager who went missing while hiking near Dracula’s castle in Romania.

George Smyth, 18, a geology student from Bristol, went missing in November last year.

He vanished after telling emergency services he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia in the Bucegi Mountain region of the country.

On Saturday, Avon and Somerset Police said a body found in the area is believed to be that of Mr Smyth.

His family have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer, the force added.

In a statement released via the force, Mr Smyth’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.’

Efforts will be made to return Mr Smyth’s body to Bristol once formal identification has taken place.

George went missing while trekking in the Bucegi Mountains on November 23.

He had been intending to walk to the village of Bran – famous for Bran Castle, marketed as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

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