On the morning of Monday, September 29, 2025, 27-year-old Kieran from Worcestershire set out with determination to climb Yr Wyddfa, the iconic mountain also known as Snowdon, in North Wales. He began his ascent at 7:00 a.m. BST, heading for the summit as so many adventurers have done before him. But as the day unfolded, what started as a routine hike quickly turned into a desperate search that would grip the local community and draw in mountain rescue teams from across the region.
According to North Wales Police, Kieran was last seen shortly before 12:00 p.m. that day in the Bwlch Glas area, near the Pyg Track—a popular, yet challenging, route on Yr Wyddfa. Witnesses described him as wearing a camouflage coat and sporting a dark beard. As hours passed with no sign of his return, concern mounted. By afternoon, Kieran was officially reported missing, sparking a major multi-agency search effort that would continue through the night and into the following day.
The search for Kieran was nothing short of exhaustive. North Wales Police coordinated with the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, the National Police Air Service (NPAS), and HM Coastguard. The Coastguard’s rescue helicopter was seen sweeping the mountain’s rugged slopes, taking off from Caernarfon airport and combing the area for any sign of the missing hiker. The urgency was palpable, with Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst urging, “Anyone with information that could help our searches should call 999 and quote reference C151686.” She also appealed directly to a group of walkers who had spoken to Kieran just before noon, asking them to come forward with any information they might have.
Social media channels buzzed with messages of support from concerned members of the public. One Facebook user wrote, “Please help share this and I really am hoping for a positive outcome for the gent.” Another added, “Everything crossed for Kieran.” The outpouring of hope and solidarity underscored just how deeply such incidents resonate—not just with loved ones, but with the wider community of outdoor enthusiasts and locals alike.
As the search stretched into the evening of September 29, the Coastguard helicopter was once again in the air, and mountain rescue volunteers combed the paths and ridges, questioning hikers and scanning their surroundings for any trace of Kieran. The weather was reportedly challenging, and police reminded would-be helpers not to put themselves at risk, emphasizing the importance of proper equipment and caution in the mountain environment.
Despite the best efforts of all involved, the outcome was not the one anyone had hoped for. On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 30, 2025, North Wales Police confirmed that a body had been discovered on Yr Wyddfa. The man was formally identified as Kieran, the missing 27-year-old from Worcestershire. His family and the coroner were immediately informed.
Chief Inspector Emma Parry, speaking on behalf of the North Wales Police, expressed the sorrow felt by all those involved in the search. “My deepest condolences remain with Kieran’s family at this extremely difficult time,” she said. “This is not the outcome we had hoped for, and I would once again thank partner agencies and all those who supported our searches.” She also relayed the family’s gratitude: “The family would also like to thank the mountain rescue teams who assisted in the search for Kieran, along with all other agencies involved.”
The news was met with an outpouring of grief and sympathy, both online and in the local community. Messages described the result as “heartbreaking” and “a very sad end to the search for the missing walker Kieran.” Friends, family, and strangers alike shared their condolences, mourning the loss of a young life and acknowledging the tireless efforts of the rescue teams.
Throughout the ordeal, North Wales Police kept the public informed, regularly issuing statements and appeals for information. They described the multi-agency search as extensive, involving not only local police and mountain rescue, but also aerial support and coastguard resources. The force also highlighted the importance of community involvement, urging anyone who had been walking on Yr Wyddfa from 7:00 a.m. onwards on September 29 to check their photos for possible sightings of Kieran, and to contact authorities with any information.
Yr Wyddfa, standing at 1,085 meters, is the highest mountain in Wales and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the UK. Its beauty and accessibility attract thousands of walkers each year, but the mountain’s unpredictable weather and challenging terrain can pose serious risks, even to experienced hikers. The Bwlch Glas area, where Kieran was last seen, is a high point where several paths converge, including the Pyg Track and the Llanberis Path. It’s a place of stunning views but also exposure to the elements.
The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for caution among those venturing into the mountains. Police and rescue officials have reiterated the need for appropriate planning, equipment, and awareness of changing conditions. As Chief Inspector Parry reminded, “Whilst we appreciate the help, I would also urge people not to put themselves at risk when visiting the area, and to always bring appropriate equipment.”
The collective response to Kieran’s disappearance and the subsequent search effort highlights the strong sense of community that exists in North Wales and among the wider outdoor community. From the rapid mobilization of rescue teams to the hundreds of messages of support and offers of assistance, there’s a clear recognition of the risks involved in mountain pursuits—and the shared responsibility to look out for one another.
For Kieran’s family, friends, and all those who followed the story, the loss is immeasurable. The search may have ended, but the impact of this tragedy will linger. As the community reflects on Kieran’s final journey up Yr Wyddfa, there’s a renewed appreciation for the dedication of rescue teams and the importance of mountain safety. The mountain remains, as ever, a place of both inspiration and challenge—a reminder of nature’s beauty, and its unforgiving side.
Kieran’s story serves as a somber testament to the risks faced by those drawn to the wild places of the world, and to the compassion and resolve of those who answer the call when things go wrong.
