Eddie Hill, 20, and Jayden Long, 19, died while on a hiking expedition on Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon. 

Their bodies were found on Thursday after a major search operation. 

It was launched by the previous day after the emergency services were notified that the pair, both from the Dereham area, were missing.

It is understood the alarm was not raised by the pair themselves.

Rather, it is believed they had lost contact with others who had been monitoring their trip who then got in touch with the emergency services. 

Eddie Hill, 20 (Image: Instagram)

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "Concerns for the welfare of the men were reported to police."

Several rescue crews carried out extensive searches while battling brutal winter conditions until the early hours of Thursday morning.

They then resumed their efforts at around 8am on Thursday and the bodies were found later that day.

Tributes from family members and friends have been posted on social media, describing the men as "caring" and "pure individuals".

Bernadette Smith, Jayden's grandmother, posted: "Jayden is our beautiful loving grandson.

"He will be greatly missed by his extended family and amazing friends. We are all broken-hearted."

Jayden Long, 19. (Image: Instagram)

In a post Harry Hill described his elder brother Eddie as a “beloved son” and “the most amazing brother to my little sister”.

He added: “Sadly he passed away on Wednesday. Words cannot describe the pain that me and my family and friends are going through at the moment.

“This is a lot to take in, he was taken from us far too soon and he had such big plans for his future.

“He is the most beautiful boy inside and out and he will be missed dearly.”

Jayden’s sister, Josie, also paid a heart-warming tribute to her “kind and caring” brother.

She wrote: “I can’t believe I’m having to write this but unfortunately my amazing, kind and caring big brother passed away on Wednesday.

“I cannot put into words how hard this is for me and everyone who knew Jayden.

“He was doing something he loved and was taken from us too soon and he will be forever missed.

“Words cannot describe how loved he was by everyone and how much he loved us all too.

“He was the most amazing boy inside and out… Jay you will be missed dearly and I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I love you.”

Snowdonia, view from the summit of Snowdon (Image: Newsquest)

One comment said: "RIP to two of the most genuine and pure individuals. Gone but never ever forgotten."

Another one added: "Such an awful loss, thinking of their families. Two lovely, kind young lads known by so many."

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team and RAF mountain rescuers were all involved in the extensive search operation, alongside search dogs and a coastguard helicopter.

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