The search for the two missing sisters, Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, who disappeared nearly four weeks ago, has tragically concluded with the recovery of both their bodies from the River Dee. Initially reported missing on January 7, 2025, the 32-year-old twins were last captured on CCTV at Victoria Bridge at approximately 2.12am, just hours before their disappearance.
Authorities were alerted when the sisters' landlady discovered their belongings left behind at their rented flat. Following this, Police Scotland launched an extensive search operation, drawing on various resources, including drones, marine units, and divers to explore the river, particularly where the sisters were last seen.
On January 31, 2025, officers recovered the first body from the River Dee around 8am, prompting hopes of bringing closure to the ordeal. A police spokesperson announced on February 1, just days later, the discovery of another body at 9.05pm. While formal identification of both women has yet to take place, the Huszti family has been duly informed.
Superintendent David Howieson addressed reporters near the incident site, sharing his thoughts on the heartbreak the situation has caused within the community, stating, "Our thoughts remain with the Huszti family and we are keeping them fully updated following these recoveries. We know how much of an impact this has had in Aberdeen and much farther afield, and I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with our investigation."
The sisters, who were part of a set of triplets, originally from Hungary, have left the community stunned. Their brother, Jozsef Huszti, last spoke with them on New Year's Eve during what he described as a normal 40-minute conversation, expressing confusion over the circumstances surrounding their sudden disappearance.
Investigations revealed the sisters had sent a text message from Henrietta's mobile around 2.12am, indicating they would not return to their flat. The police noted the phone was disconnected from the network shortly thereafter and ceased to function. Despite their plan to leave the property, the family was not informed of this decision beforehand, which added to the mystery of the situation.
During the search operation, police focused heavily on the area surrounding the River Dee, where both bodies were eventually found. Superintendent Howieson has reassured the public by stating there is no evidence to suggest criminal circumstances linked to the sisters' disappearance. "It appears the sisters may have entered the water for reasons unknown," he noted.
The sisters had been seen at the same bridge the day before their disappearance on January 6; they reportedly spent five minutes at the footpath and did not engage with anyone else. This behavior, along with the missing phones and sudden departure from their residency, has left the investigation without clear explanations.
Upon learning of the sisters' fate, the Huszti family released a poignant statement on social media requesting the public to refrain from spreading unfounded rumors. "Therefore, we kindly ask everyone for respect. Please do not spread any unfounded rumours," the statement read, translated by the BBC.
Police Scotland have confirmed inquiries will continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The department has reiterated their call for information from the public. "We have had a positive response from the public to our appeals and I would again urge anyone with any information which could help our investigation to get in touch," said Howieson.
With the bodies' recovery, many hope for answers; the local community has pulled together to support the Huszti family during this difficult time. Both sisters had moved to Scotland from Hungary approximately ten years prior, and their disappearance and subsequent deaths have left their friends and family grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
The police investigation, classified as a missing persons inquiry rather than one of criminality, highlights the need for thoughtful discourse surrounding the story, emphasizing the importance of accurate information over sensational rumors. The community continues to mourn the loss of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, who vanished too soon, leaving behind many people who cared for them.