"George is now lost to us", say family of teen missing in Romania
George Smyth has been missing since 23rd November, after he went hiking in the Romanian mountains
The family of a Shropshire teenager missing in the Romanian mountains have released a tribute, calling his disappearance a "sudden loss".
18-year-old George Smyth, a student at the University of Bristol, was last seen on Sunday 23rd November 2025 at Poiana Brașov in Romania.
He was reportedly hiking in the Bucegi Romanian mountains.
Searches by mountain rescuers in Romania have been affected by adverse weather conditions, including the risk of avalanche.
George is yet to be found.
"When the mountains that took him are ready to let go, George will be found..."
In a statement via the rugby club George played for, Newport Salop RUFC, his family said: "‘To everyone that has been affected by George’s sudden loss, we are deeply sorry for the pain we all share.
"Thank you for your support, which has been a huge help to us during this desperate time. We are incredibly moved by your love for George, which is a fitting reflection of what he means to us all.
"George was a phenomenally kind and selfless person, fiercely loyal to his friends and full of energy and enthusiasm for everything he did. We will never forget George’s unique character. He brought so much to our lives and had more impact on the world during his eighteen years than many people achieve over much longer periods.
"It is cruel beyond belief that George is now lost to us, but we are so lucky to have known him and will treasure every moment we spent together, despite our immense grief and sadness that we can no longer see him, speak to him or hold him in our arms.
"When the mountains that took him are ready to let go, George will be found, and we will bring him home to say goodbye."