Two young men from Norfolk lost their lives on a hiking trip in Eryri National Park. Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, vanished Wednesday while climbing Yr Wyddfa, the Welsh name for Snowdon. A massive operation involving multiple rescue groups ended tragically the next day when searchers recovered their bodies.

Family raised the alarm after the pair stopped responding to messages. North Wales Police received welfare concerns that afternoon. Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF mountain rescuers, search dogs and a Coastguard helicopter scoured the slopes through brutal conditions. Volunteers pushed on into the night. They found the men Thursday.

“Tragically, the bodies of the two men were located and recovered as part of coordinated search efforts,” North Wales Police stated. Officials formally identified Hill and Long. They notified the coroner and informed next of kin.

Heartfelt tributes poured in online. Josie Long, Jayden’s sister, called him an “amazing, kind and caring big brother.” She posted that he died doing what he loved. “Words cannot describe how loved he was by everyone and how much he loved us all too,” she wrote. “He was the most amazing boy inside and out.”

Jayden’s grandmother, Bernadette Smith, mourned her “beautiful loving grandson.” She said the family felt broken-hearted. He leaves behind extended relatives and close friends, she added.

Eddie Hill’s younger brother Harry remembered him as a “beloved son” and “the most amazing brother.” Pain gripped the family, he wrote. Eddie had big future plans. “He was taken from us far too soon,” Harry said. “He is the most beautiful boy inside and out and he will be missed dearly.”

A mutual friend grieved both men deeply. “Ed and Jay. Where do I start boys, you were both the most amazing and beautiful people in my life,” the friend posted. “You were and always will be my best friends and I feel privileged to have spent so much of my life with you two.” Friends described the pair as caring and pure souls.

Jurgen Dissmann, chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, praised the volunteers’ efforts. They logged long hours in tough weather to find the hikers fast, he said. “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,” Dissmann added.

Heather Jones, clerk for Llanberis Community Council, offered condolences to the families. She thanked the rescuers for their work. “We are thankful for their services as we know that it is also very traumatic for them,” Jones said. She urged caution for anyone heading into the mountains. Extra care saves lives, especially in winter, she noted.

Yr Wyddfa draws thousands of visitors yearly. Its peaks challenge even seasoned hikers. Severe weather strikes without warning this time of year. The incident highlights risks on Britain’s highest mountain outside the Scottish Highlands.