In Loving Memory of Eddie Hill and Jayden Long

In Loving Memory of Eddie Hill and Jayden Long

With unimaginable sorrow, we remember two bright young lives taken far too soon. Eddie Hill, aged 20, and Jayden Long, aged 19, tragically lost their lives during a hiking trip in North Wales — a journey that began with adventure and friendship, but ended in heartbreak.

The two friends were reported missing on Wednesday after they failed to return from a mountain trek in Snowdonia. What followed was a desperate and courageous search effort across the rugged terrain of the Yr Wyddfa mountain range. Teams from Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Mountain Rescue Service, SARDA, and HM Coastguard worked tirelessly, battling harsh winter conditions through the night.

Rescuers faced freezing temperatures, difficult visibility, and unforgiving mountain weather. The search continued late into the darkness before being paused in the early hours of Thursday, only to resume again at 8 a.m. with renewed determination and hope. Tragically, that hope turned to devastation when the bodies of Eddie and Jayden were found.

Both young men were from Norfolk, where news of their passing has left families, friends, and the wider community in deep mourning. Their loved ones have shared heartfelt tributes — words filled with pride, love, and indescribable grief. Though their time on earth was brief, the impact they made on those around them was profound.

Eddie, at just 20 years old, stood on the threshold of a future filled with possibility. Jayden, only 19, carried the same spark of youth — dreams yet to be realized, milestones yet to be reached. Together, they shared not only a friendship, but a spirit of adventure and courage that led them to the mountains they loved.

Mountains often symbolize strength, challenge, and freedom. For many, hiking is a way to feel alive — to breathe deeply, to push limits, to stand in awe of nature’s beauty. It is clear that Eddie and Jayden embraced that spirit. Their final journey speaks to their bravery, their bond, and their shared love for exploration.

As we reflect on their lives, we remember more than the tragedy. We remember laughter between friends, the comfort of brotherhood, late-night conversations, and the dreams that only young hearts dare to dream. We remember families who raised them with love, communities that watched them grow, and friendships that will forever carry their memory.

To their families, no words can ease the pain of such a loss. The grief of losing a son, a brother, a loved one is immeasurable. Yet in this darkness, there is also light — the light of memories, of shared moments, of lives that mattered deeply. May that light guide you in the days ahead.

The courage and dedication shown by the rescue teams remind us of the compassion that exists even in the harshest conditions. Their efforts were a testament to humanity’s willingness to risk much in the hope of saving others.

Eddie Hill and Jayden Long will forever be remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of their passing, but for the youth, friendship, and promise they embodied. Though their climb has ended, their memory will stand tall — like the mountains they sought to conquer.

May they rest in peace, side by side, and may their families find strength in the love that surrounds them.