A pair of young hikers who were found dead on Snowdon have been pictured for the first time.
Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, both from Norfolk, were found on the mountain, also known as Yr Wyddfa, after an extensive search operation in severe winter conditions.
The duo were discovered by rescue crews after concerns were raised about their welfare on Wednesday.
Multiple teams battled through snow and ice overnight to locate the pair.
Llanberis and Aberglaslyn mountain rescue teams joined RAF rescuers, search dogs and a coastguard helicopter in the operation across the Eryri range.
North Wales Police confirmed both bodies were recovered on Thursday morning and the coroner has been informed.
Eddie’s brother Harry shared a heartfelt tribute on social media following the tragedy.
He wrote: “It pains me to have to announce this… My beautiful big brother and a beloved son to my mum and dad.”
Harry described Eddie Hill as ‘the most amazing brother’ to his little sister
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Harry described Eddie as “the most amazing brother” to his little sister, adding: “Words cannot describe the pain that me my family and friends are going through at the moment.”
He said his brother “was [taken] from us far too soon and he had such big plans for his future.”
Harry added: “He is the most beautiful boy inside and out and he will be missed dearly.”
Jayden’s sister Josie also shared an emotional tribute to her brother on social media.
Jayden Long’s sister Josie also shared an emotional tribute to her brother on social media
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She wrote: “I can’t believe I’m having to write this but unfortunately my amazing, kind and caring big brother passed away on Wednesday.”
Josie said she could not express how difficult the loss was for her and everyone who knew Jayden.
She added: “He was doing something he loved and was taken from us too soon and he will be forever missed.”
Describing her brother as “the most amazing boy inside and out,” she wrote: “Jay you will be missed dearly and I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I love you.”
Jurgen Dissmann, the chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, offered condolences to the families of the two men.
The pair were found after an extensive search through in Snowdonia
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GETTYHe said: “The team were tasked by North Wales Police and launched an extensive multi-agency operation in full winter conditions.”
Dissmann praised the volunteers who searched across challenging mountain terrain through the night in difficult weather.
He added: “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.”
The rescue team chair thanked colleagues from Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Team, SARDA and HM Coastguard for their assistance.