The bodies of two young men, aged 19 and 20, were found in Eryri, known as Snowdon – the highest peak in Wales. The tragic discovery was made on Thursday, following a large-scale rescue operation launched on Wednesday after concerns were raised for their safety. Several rescue teams were involved in the search, including volunteers from local mountain rescue groups and state services. Police confirmed the identities of the victims.
Deadly end to the search
After an intensive rescue operation conducted from Wednesday in difficult, winter conditions, the bodies of a 19- and 20-year-old were found. North Wales Police confirmed their identities.
Large-scale operation
Many services were involved in the search: Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, SARDA, and HM Coastguard. The operation took place in the Eryri (Snowdonia) area.
Winter mountain conditions
The search was conducted in difficult winter weather conditions on the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which rises to an altitude of 1,085 meters above sea level and is a destination for many tourists.
On Thursday, North Wales Police confirmed the discovery of the bodies of two young men, aged 19 and 20, on the slopes of Yr Wyddfa, more widely known as Snowdon. The report of the men's disappearance was received by the services on Wednesday, triggering an immediate response. In the following hours, one of the larger rescue operations in the region unfolded, involving volunteer mountain rescue groups, rescuers from the Royal Air Force (RAF), and the HM Coastguard. Despite the efforts of many services and volunteers, it ended tragically.
Snowdon (Welsh: Yr Wyddfa) is the highest peak in Wales (1,085 m above sea level) and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the United Kingdom, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. The Eryri (Snowdonia) region is known for its changeable and often harsh weather, which even in summer can pose serious risks to inexperienced hikers. British volunteer mountain rescue services, such as Llanberis MRT, have played a key role in ensuring mountain safety for decades.
The search operation took place in winter conditions, which significantly hampered the rescuers' efforts. Extensive ground searches were conducted throughout Wednesday and early Thursday. Ultimately, on Thursday morning, rescue teams found the bodies of both men. Police issued a brief statement confirming that both individuals had been formally identified and their families had been notified. However, their identities or potential causes of death were not publicly disclosed, pending the results of the investigation and post-mortem examinations. The case has shaken the local community and served as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by mountains, even in such a popular and seemingly accessible location.