An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Eddie Hill smiling while hiking a mountain path, Image 2 shows A black and white image of Jayden Long smiling and holding a glass of beer

TWO young men who tragically died while hiking in Snowdonia have been pictured.

Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, were discovered by rescue teams after a major search operation in the North Wales mountain range.

Eddie Hill smiling while hiking a mountain path.
Eddie Hill was hailed as a ‘beautiful big brother’ and ‘beloved son’Credit: Instagram
 

A black and white image of Jayden Long smiling and holding a glass of beer.
Jayden Long’s sister, Josie, paid a heartwarming tribute to her ‘kind and caring’ brotherCredit: Instagram
Concerns were first raised for the wellbeing of the hikers on Wednesday.

Rescue crews were then scrambled to the Eryri mountain range, where they battled brutal conditions until the early hours of Thursday.

Llanberis mountain rescue team, Aberglaslyn mountain rescue team, RAF mountain rescuers were all involved in the extensive search operation.

Search dogs and a coastguard helicopter were also deployed to help find the pair on Snowdon, also known as Yr Wyddfa.

North Wales Police said the operation continued at around 8am on Thursday.

Issuing a tragic update this morning, the force confirmed the bodies of both men had been located and recovered during these searches.

The two hikers, both from Norfolk, have since been named and pictured – as their heartbroken families paid touching tributes on social media.

Eddie’s brother, Harry, wrote: “It pains me to have to announce this… My beautiful big brother and a beloved son to my mum and dad.

“And the most amazing brother to my little sister… passed away on Wednesday.

“Words cannot describe the pain that me my family and friends are going through at the moment.

“This is a lot to take in, 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.

“I’m sorry to whoever knew him for the good man he was. I’m sorry for everyone’s loss.”

Jayden’s sister, Josie, also paid a heartwarming tribute to her “kind and caring” brother.

She penned: “I can’t believe I’m having to write this but unfortunately my amazing, kind and caring big brother passed away on Wednesday.

“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… Jay you will be missed dearly and I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I love you.”

Cops confirmed the coroner had been informed of the deaths of the two hikers.

Jurgen Dissmann, Chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, hailed the bravery of the rescue teams involved in the operation.

He said: “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.

“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.”

Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Summit in full winter glory
Rescue crews were then scrambled to the Eryri mountain rangeCredit: Getty