An 18-year-old British student, identified as George Smyth, has gone missing in Romania after hiking near the legendary Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle. Smyth was last heard from on November 23 while trekking through the Bucegi Mountains, an area known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather.
According to NewsNation, Smyth contacted the mountain rescue service in distress, reporting symptoms of exhaustion and hypothermia. Authorities said he was in a “difficult-to-access” area at the time and that rescue teams faced severe snow and fog during their initial search efforts.
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Authorities Say Teen Left Backpack Behind in Dangerous Terrain
Rescue teams were dispatched immediately after receiving Smyth’s emergency call. Within hours, they discovered his backpack containing food, a sleeping bag, and a tent, but no sign of the missing teen himself.
Investigators remain puzzled as to why Smyth left his gear behind, especially since temperatures in the Bucegi Mountains drop below freezing at night. “He was found to have essential supplies in his pack, which makes it even more concerning that he didn’t stay with it,” one local official said.
Authorities have since paused the search twice due to dangerous weather and avalanche risks, but they plan to resume as soon as conditions improve.
Teen Reportedly Traveled in Secret to Avoid Worrying His Parents
Smyth, a student at the University of Bristol, reportedly did not tell his parents about his trip to Romania. According to reports, he wanted to avoid worrying them and planned the solo hike on his own.
The Bucegi Mountains are a popular destination for hikers and adventurers, but Romanian officials warn that the conditions can turn dangerous quickly — especially for those traveling alone. With snow, ice, and fog blanketing the region, visibility has been a major challenge for rescuers.