Tributes Paid to Two Young Men Who Died on Eryri Mountains Hike
Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, both from Norfolk, were found dead in Eryri national park, also known as Snowdon, in north Wales on Thursday. This followed a major search operation conducted in severe winter conditions. The pair had been reported missing on Wednesday after losing contact with family and friends during their hiking trip.
Intensive Search Efforts in Harsh Conditions
Three mountain rescue teams, search dogs, and a coastguard helicopter combed the mountain from Wednesday into the night. The coordinated efforts involved Llanberis mountain rescue team, Aberglaslyn mountain rescue team, RAF mountain rescuers, and additional support. Despite these extensive measures, the bodies of the two men were located and recovered the next day.
Jurgen Dissmann, chair of Llanberis mountain rescue team, highlighted the challenging circumstances. "Volunteers worked long hours through the night in difficult weather in an effort to locate the pair as quickly as possible," he said. "Despite the determined and sustained commitment of everyone involved, we are deeply saddened that the outcome was not what we had hoped for."
Heartfelt Tributes from Family and Friends
Family members and friends took to social media to express their grief and share memories of Hill and Long, describing them as caring and pure individuals. Josie, Long's sister, remembered him as an "amazing, kind and caring big brother" who was "doing something he loved and was taken from us too soon." She added, "Words cannot describe how loved he was by everyone and how much he loved us all too. He was the most amazing boy inside and out."
Bernadette Smith, Long's grandmother, wrote, "Jayden is our beautiful loving grandson. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and amazing friends. We are all broken-hearted." Harry Hill described his elder brother, Eddie, as a "beloved son" and "the most amazing brother." He expressed, "Words cannot describe the pain that me and my family and friends are going through at the moment. He was taken from us far too soon and he had such big plans for his future. He is the most beautiful boy inside and out and he will be missed dearly."
A close friend of both men shared, "Ed and Jay. Where do I start boys, you were both the most amazing and beautiful people in my life, you were and always will be my best friends and I feel privileged to have spent so much of my life with you two."
Official Statements and Community Response
North Wales police confirmed the tragic discovery, stating, "Concerns for the welfare of the men were reported to police on Wednesday. Tragically, the bodies of the two men were located and recovered as part of coordinated search efforts. Both have now been formally identified and their families have been informed. The coroner has been notified."
Heather Jones, clerk of Llanberis community council, extended condolences to the families and praised the dedication of the search teams. "We are thankful for their services as we know that it is also very traumatic for them," she said. She also advised caution for those venturing into mountainous areas, emphasizing the need for extra care.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with mountain hiking, especially during winter months. The community and rescue teams continue to mourn the loss of these two young lives, while urging others to prioritize safety in outdoor adventures.
