Tributes have been paid to two young climbers who died in freezing conditions on Snowdon.
Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, had been hiking in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia National Park, when disaster struck.
Crews from Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, SARDA and HM Coastguard scoured the mountainside on Wednesday after receiving reports that the pair were in trouble.
But they were unable to reach them in time and the two men’s bodies were recovered from the Welsh mountain on Thursday after the search resumed at first light.
Rescuers said their efforts were hampered by difficult ‘full winter conditions’ with teams hunting ‘across challenging mountain terrain in snow and ice’ for the pair, who were from Dereham, in Norfolk.
In a post online, Eddie’s younger brother, Harry, described his sibling as a ‘beloved son’ and ‘the most amazing brother,’ the Norwich Evening News reported.
He added: ‘Sadly he passed away on Wednesday. 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.’
Eddie Hill (right), 20, and Jayden Long (left), 19, had been on an hiking in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia National Park, when they died
Eddie’s brother described him as ‘the most beautiful boy inside and out’
Jayden’s younger sister, Josie, also paid tribute on Instagram to her ‘kind and caring’ big brother.
‘I can’t believe I’m having to write this but unfortunately my amazing, kind and caring big brother passed away on Wednesday,’ she said.
‘I cannot put into words how hard this is for me and everyone who knew Jayden.
‘He was doing something he loved and was taken from us too soon and he will be forever missed.
‘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, this is all a lot to take in and I’m sorry to be telling this to everyone who knew him.
‘Jay you will be missed dearly and I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I love you xx.’
In a statement, Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said that, despite their best efforts, the outcome was ‘not what we had hoped for.’
‘On behalf of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the two men who have tragically lost their lives,’ he said.
‘The team were tasked by North Wales Police and launched an extensive multi-agency operation in full winter conditions.
‘Volunteers searched across challenging mountain terrain in snow and ice, working long hours through the night in difficult weather in an effort to locate the pair as quickly as possible.
‘Despite the determined and sustained commitment of everyone involved, we are deeply saddened that, despite all efforts, the outcome was not what we had hoped for.
‘I would like to sincerely thank our colleagues from Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Team, SARDA and HM Coastguard for their invaluable assistance throughout the operation.’
A spokesman for North Wales Police confirmed the men’s bodies had been formally identified and the coroner notified.
