Authorities in Aberdeen have confirmed the recovery of two bodies amid the search for two missing sisters, Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, who vanished over three weeks ago. The 32-year-olds were last captured on CCTV footage along Market Street, near the Victoria Bridge, just after 2:12 AM on January 7.
The first body was retrieved from the River Dee adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge shortly before 8 AM on Friday, with the second body found later near Victoria Bridge at approximately 9:05 PM. While formal identification of the bodies is pending, family members of the sisters have been informed of these significant developments.
Police Scotland has reported no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the sisters' disappearance, leading their inquiry to focus on missing persons rather than foul play. Superintendent David Howieson stated, "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." He reiterated the importance of the community’s support during this challenging time.
The sisters, part of a triplet set, had informed their landlord they would not be returning to their rented flat the same morning they disappeared, sending shockwaves through their family. Their brother, Jozsef, expressed his bewilderment about the situation, saying, "They wrote a message to their landlady saying they wanted to immediately end their tenancy agreement. We didn’t have any information about it. That’s the strange thing; the girls didn’t tell us anything about it. They were both just always so responsible."
Local residents have shown their solidarity with the Huszti family, as flowers have been left near the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, where the sisters were last seen. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney reacted to the tragic news via social media, stating, "Heartbreaking news from the City of Aberdeen this morning. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this very sad news."
The sisters transitioned from Hungary to Scotland roughly ten years ago, and their sudden absence has raised alarms, triggering extensive searches by police. The investigation revealed they had visited the Victoria Bridge prior to their disappearance, heightening concerns among their family and the community.
The major search operation was launched when their landlord expressed alarm over their absence after they failed to return to their residence. Authorities felt it imperative to act swiftly due to inclement weather conditions and growing fears for the sisters' safety.
Through the course of the investigation, police have been diligently piecing together the last movements of Eliza and Henrietta. Evidence suggests they had ventured to the vicinity of Aberdeen Boat Club after crossing Victoria Bridge. Community efforts, including searches by local volunteers, have underscored the depth of concern surrounding this case, marking it as one of the more tragic events to strike the city recently.
Despite the emotional strain this event places on the Huszti family and friends, it has also highlighted the community spirit of those who have rallied together for the sisters. Candles and flowers now adorn locations where sisters were frequently seen, turning these sites of concern and uncertainty to memorials of hope and unity.
No additional details have been released as investigations continue. Police remain focused on finding the answers to the questions surrounding the sisters’ disappearance, with every effort made to support those affected by this incident.
While the families deal with the fallout from this tragedy, many are still feeling the impacts. The city of Aberdeen has joined together, mourning the apparent loss of two vibrant lives under such heart-wrenching circumstances. The community, shaken but steadfast, emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and supportive during these grief-stricken times.