Tragic Discovery on Wales's Highest Mountain
Two friends, Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, both from Dereham, Norfolk, were found dead on Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, Wales's highest mountain. Their bodies were discovered by a mountain rescue team on Thursday, a day after concerns were raised about their welfare.
Both young men had recently left Dereham Sixth Form College in 2024. Staff at the college expressed their shock and sadness upon hearing the news.
Kirsty Brook, head of year 13 at the college, said: "The world really was their oyster. Anything they wanted, they could have gone on to achieve because they had the personality to do so – they had that get up and go."
Search and Rescue Efforts
Mountain rescuers and crews from HM Coastguard were mobilized to search for the pair on the 1,085m (3,560ft) mountain. Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, described the challenging conditions faced by volunteers.
"Volunteers searched throughout the night across challenging mountain terrain in full winter conditions," said Dissmann.
Documents indicate that the pair died on Crib y Ddysgl, a ridge peaking at 1,065m (3,494ft), located less than a mile north of Yr Wyddfa's summit. This ridge connects to the notoriously narrow Crib Goch ridge.
Inquests into the deaths of Eddie Hill and Jayden Long are scheduled to open on Friday.
Remembering Eddie and Jayden
Former tutors at Dereham Sixth Form College recalled the pair with fondness and admiration. Bethany Thomas, who teaches psychology and sociology, spoke about their character and impact.
"I think if you asked any teacher here, both of them had such character and charisma, very cheeky but just ultimately, hearts of gold," Thomas said.
"You noticed a classroom they weren't in because they definitely brought the energy to the room."
Thomas added that the pair were "friendly and welcoming" and that no one had a bad word to say about them.
"You can't help but think how young they were, how much potential they had... the mood in the staff room this morning really showed the impact they had on us in those two years here.
Clearly they were two young guys getting out there, exploring the world – it's just so tragic."
Brook shared additional details about the young men’s aspirations.
"Eddie had worked at Slater Menswear and Jayden wanted to pursue an apprenticeship," she said.
"I was so shocked seeing the news on social media that I didn't think it was real. We are absolutely devastated. It's so sad."
Community Tributes and Fundraising
Family and friends have paid tribute to Eddie and Jayden on social media platforms. Jayden’s aunt, Stephanie Jolly, has raised over £3,000 to support the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team by participating in the Cambridge Half Marathon.
"Our entire families and all their friends are heartbroken by their loss," Jolly said.
She emphasized the bravery of the rescue volunteers who risked their lives in the search efforts.
"The volunteers risked their own lives to try and save Jayden and Eddie."
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