Bodies recovered from River Dee in Aberdeen confirmed as missing sisters

Tragic End to the Disappearance of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti

The disappearance of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, two 32-year-old sisters from Hungary, sent shockwaves through the community of Aberdeen, Scotland. The siblings were last seen on CCTV footage crossing Victoria Bridge on Market Street at around 2:12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. They were captured turning right onto a footpath that runs alongside the River Dee, heading in the direction of the Aberdeen Boat Club. This chilling moment marked the beginning of a heartbreaking saga that would unfold over the following weeks.

A Community United in Search and Hope

The disappearance of the sisters triggered a massive search operation led by Police Scotland, with extensive efforts focused on the River Dee. The force mobilized significant resources to scour the river and its surroundings, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to locate the missing women. As the days turned into weeks, the community of Aberdeen rallied together, offering support and hoping for a positive outcome. The sisters’ family, who had been frantic with worry, clung to the hope that Eliza and Henrietta would be found safe and sound. Their heartfelt plea, released through Police Scotland, echoed the sentiments of everyone involved: "All we want is for them to be found."

The Discovery of the Bodies

On the morning of Friday, January 31, 2025, the search efforts took a devastating turn. A woman’s body was spotted in the River Dee near the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. Police Scotland recovered the body, and while formal identification was pending, the family of Henrietta Huszti was informed. Later that evening, at around 9:05 p.m., a second body was discovered in an area of the river close to Victoria Bridge. Again, while formal identification was yet to be completed, the family of Eliza was notified. These discoveries marked the end of a painstaking search and the beginning of a grieving process for the loved ones of the sisters.

Police Confirm the Identities and Investigate the Circumstances

In the days that followed, Police Scotland confirmed that the bodies recovered from the River Dee were indeed those of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti. Superintendent David Howieson addressed the media, stating, "The two bodies recovered from the River Dee on Friday, 31 January 2025, have now been formally identified as Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, who were reported missing on Tuesday, 7 January 2025." While the police have emphasized that there are no apparent suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths, enquiries remain ongoing to establish the exact cause of death.

A Glimpse into the Sisters’ Final Hours

As the investigation continues, details have emerged about the sisters’ final hours. The police revealed that Eliza and Henrietta had visited Victoria Bridge, where they were last seen, approximately 12 hours before their disappearance. Additionally, on the morning they vanished, the sisters sent a text message to their landlady, indicating that they would not be returning to their flat. These pieces of information, while tragic, provide a glimpse into the events leading up to their disappearance and serve as a reminder of the fragility of life.

A Community Mourns and Pays Tribute

In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Aberdeen has come together to mourn the loss of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti. Flowers and tributes have been left near Queen Elizabeth Bridge, a poignant reminder of the sisters’ lives and the impact they had on those who knew them. The sisters, who were part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary, had clearly touched the hearts of many during their time in Aberdeen. As the city grapples with this devastating loss, it does so with a sense of unity and shared grief, honoring the memories of two women whose lives were cut far too short.