Bodies Discovered on Wales' Highest Mountain
The bodies of two young men were discovered on a rocky ridge on Wales' highest mountain after they were reported missing, an inquest has revealed.
Eddie Hill, aged 20, and Jayden Long, aged 19, were walking in the Yr Wyddfa area, also known as Snowdon, last Wednesday when concerns for their safety were raised.
Their bodies were located on Thursday at Crib y Ddysgl, a ridge situated between Crib Goch and the summit, at an elevation of 1,065 meters (3,500 feet).
Inquest and Official Statements
Kate Robertson, senior coroner for north west Wales, expressed her "most sincere condolences" to the families and friends of the two men as she formally opened an inquest into their deaths.
The hearing disclosed that a search for the two men, who were from Dereham in Norfolk, commenced on Wednesday afternoon.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The Llanberis Mountain Rescue team conducted search operations throughout the night under extreme winter conditions in an effort to locate the pair.
"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," said Jurgen Dissmann, chair of the rescue team.
The rescue efforts were supported by the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, an RAF Mountain Rescue Team, and HM Coastguard.
Post-Mortem and Investigation
On Friday, the coroner announced that post-mortem examinations had been requested for both men and that the cause of death was awaited.
She stated there was "reasonable cause to suspect" that both deaths were unnatural and that a full inquest was necessary, adjourning proceedings for further inquiries.
Community Support and Tributes
An online fundraising appeal to support the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team in memory of the two men has raised over £12,000.
Jayden's aunt, Stephanie Jolly, described her nephew as "wonderful." She and other family members and friends plan to participate in the Cambridge half-marathon to raise additional funds for the mountain rescue team.
The families of both men previously paid tribute, describing them as "amazing."
