The tight-knit family of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, 32-year-old twin sisters, has been plunged into unimaginable grief following the discovery of two bodies in the River Dee, Aberdeen, Scotland. The twins, part of a set of triplets, had been reported missing weeks earlier, prompting a large-scale search operation involving police dive teams, coastguard personnel, and extensive river patrols. Their father, Miklos Huszti, residing in Hungary, expressed his profound anguish, describing the news as the worst pain he had ever experienced. The confirmation of the twins’ fate also led to the collapse of their triplet sister, Edit, further compounding the family’s devastation. The agonizing wait for news had kept the family clinging to hope, despite a growing sense of foreboding.
The disappearance of Eliza and Henrietta had triggered an immediate and intensive search effort. Their landlord reported them missing after receiving a text message on the night of their disappearance, indicating they would not be returning to their city centre flat. Police, suspecting the twins may have entered the River Dee, focused their efforts on the waterway and surrounding areas. Dive teams meticulously combed the riverbed, while police boats patrolled the surface. Coastguard teams also contributed to the search, diligently scouring the riverbanks. Despite the extensive initial search, the sisters remained missing for weeks, deepening the family’s anxieties. The police temporarily suspended the River Dee searches after three weeks.
After weeks of relentless searching, the grim discovery of the first body occurred on the morning of January 31st. A second body was recovered later that evening. The location of the discoveries was near Aberdeen Boat Club, close to the area where the sisters were last seen. While the formal identification process was underway, a distinguishing tattoo of an angel on one of the bodies led to the preliminary identification of Henrietta. This heartbreaking detail, relayed to Miklos by his son Jozsef, confirmed the family’s worst fears.
The tragic news reached Miklos Huszti in Hungary, where he had been anxiously awaiting updates from his son. He had not spoken to his daughters in approximately 12 years, a fact that added to his anguish. During the agonizing weeks of the search, he clung to the hope that they would be found safe, but admitted to harboring a deep-seated fear that something terrible had befallen them. His premonition, shared with his wife, proved tragically accurate. The news of the discovery sent shockwaves through the family, leaving them grappling with an unbearable loss.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Aberdeen community rallied around the grieving family. Flowers and tributes were laid near the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and outside Aberdeen Boat Club, testaments to the widespread impact of the twins’ disappearance. A friend of the Huszti sisters initiated a fundraising campaign to assist the family with the considerable costs associated with repatriating the bodies to Hungary and covering funeral expenses. The outpouring of support demonstrated the community’s empathy and desire to help the family during this incredibly difficult time. The fund quickly surpassed its initial goal, reflecting the collective grief and desire to offer tangible support.
Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance concluded that there was no evidence of foul play or criminal activity. Superintendent David Howieson, expressing condolences to the Huszti family, reiterated the police commitment to keeping them informed throughout the process. He also acknowledged the significant impact the case had on the local community and expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance with the investigation. The focus now shifts to supporting the family as they navigate the complex and emotionally taxing process of bringing their loved ones home and laying them to rest. The family is now making arrangements to transport the sisters’ remains back to Hungary for burial. The fundraising efforts will significantly alleviate the financial burden on the family, allowing them to focus on grieving and honoring the memory of Eliza and Henrietta.
