A body has been discovered near where two missing sisters vanished in Aberdeen, marking a heartbreaking moment for their family more than three weeks after their disappearance.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32 and part of a set of triplets originally from Hungary, were reported missing on January 7, 2025, after sending their landlady a concerning message stating they would not be returning home.
The sisters were last spotted on CCTV crossing the Victoria Bridge at approximately 2:12 AM on the morning of their disappearance, walking toward the River Dee. Just hours later, their phones became inactive, and their personal belongings were found abandoned at their flat.
On January 31, Police Scotland confirmed the recovery of a body from the River Dee, close to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, following sightings reported around 7:55 AM the same day. While officials have not yet confirmed the identity of the individual, the recovery has intensified the focus on the investigation surrounding the missing sisters.
The police conducted extensive searches of the River Dee, the city's harbour area, and the immediate surroundings before reaching the conclusion to recover the body found. Prior to this, they employed divers, marine units, and helicopter support during their search efforts.
Superintendent David Howieson of Police Scotland previously stated, "We treat this as a missing persons inquiry rather than a criminal investigation," emphasizing the absence of any immediate evidence pointing to foul play. Yet, he acknowledged the possibility of the sisters having entered the river under unknown circumstances.
Details of the sisters’ last known whereabouts add to the mystery. The day before they disappeared, the pair had been seen at Victoria Bridge at approximately 3 PM on January 6, appearing to enjoy their time by the water. They were captured on CCTV, spending time at the footpath and briefly engaging with their surroundings.
Shortly before losing contact, Henrietta sent the aforementioned message to their landlady, which raised alarm within their family. "They wrote a message to their landlady, they wanted to immediately end their tenancy agreement. We didn’t have any information about it," expressed Jozsef Huszti, the sisters' brother. His statement reflects the bewilderment family members feel as they grapple with this sudden change.
"This has been a very worrying and upsetting time for our family,” they conveyed through Police Scotland, expressing their deep despair and concern about the fate of Eliza and Henrietta. They have publicly pleaded with the community for information, hoping for any leads to aid the investigation.
While police have urged individuals to refrain from spreading unverified rumors about the sisters’ situation, the local community has been rallying to support the family during this distressing time. The family revealed their declining mental state amid the uncertainty surrounding the case and the sisters' unexpected disappearance.
Investigators are still piecing together the sisters' actions leading to 2:12 AM on January 7 when their phones went offline. Eyewitness accounts suggested they crossed the bridge to head toward the nearby Aberdeen Boat Club, but investigation officers remain puzzled over their intentions at such early hours.
"We don’t really understand why they seem to have left their home address and walked to this area in a fairly direct line,” Supt. Howieson stated. His words underline the bewilderment not only among the family but also within law enforcement as they try to reconstruct the sisters' timeline leading to their mysterious disappearance.
Many questions remain unanswered as police inquiries progress, with locals closely monitoring updates from the investigation. The Huszti sisters’ connections to the community, encompassing their nearly ten-year residence in Scotland, add to the depth of concern among friends and acquaintances who have come to care for them.
This tragically timely incident highlights the fragility of life and leaves community members reflecting on the unintended consequences of fleeting moments, which can lead to unforeseen scenarios. The case reminds everyone of the need for vigilance and support, underscoring the impact of familial bonds through thick and thin.
With the investigation continuing and the body’s identification still pending, the family holds onto hope for clarity amid their distress. They reiterate their plea for any information leading to the sisters, wishing only for their safe return. Community members and authorities alike maintain their focus on providing assistance during this heartwrenching period as they await answers.