Josh Llwyd-Hopcroft

The leader of a mountain rescue team discovered his own son’s body following a search by his colleagues when the young man was reported missing.

Josh Llwyd-Hopcroft, whose father Dion Llwyd is a serving team leader of the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team, went missing on Monday 29 February.

The team was contacted by police shortly before midnight, prompting a five-hour search for the 18-year-old in the Llanfair and Harlech area.

Aberglaslyn team members were joined by colleagues from the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team and handlers from the Search and Rescue Association (Wales).

An Aberglaslyn MRT spokesperson said: “This search continued until past 5 o’clock the next morning. Dion himself went out on foot to search at first light, when tragically at 8.30am he located Josh deceased in fields close to the family home.

“Shortly afterwards and led by Dion himself, 10 of Dion’s fellow team members and Josh’s brother Sion carried him back to the family home.

“Dion, his wife Sue and the family, and the Aberglaslyn team are eternally grateful to the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team and Sarda Wales for their assistance, and also the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation for providing cover for the team’s area in the few days after the search.”

The Aberglaslyn team said a celebration of Mr Llwyd-Hopcroft’s life will be held on Friday the 11 March 2016 at St Tanwg’s Church in Harlech.

“Dion, Sue and the family would like those attending the celebration into Josh’s life to wear a daffodil, and casual dress with bright colours as a reflection of Josh’s outgoing and bright personality.

“Following the celebration, Josh will then be taken in the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team’s ambulance to Bangor Crematorium for 3pm. The cortege will leave Harlech shortly after 1pm and will pass through Penrhyndeudraeth for those who would like to wish Josh well on his journey.

“The team continues to support Dion, his wife Sue and the family at this difficult time.”

Police do not believe Mr Llwyd-Hopcroft’s death was suspicious.