Fundraiser launched to support 'devastated' family of Aberdeen sisters

A fundraiser to support the family of two Aberdeen sisters whose bodies were recovered from the River Dee has been launched with its £1,500 surpassed with donations from well-wishers.

Floral tributes had been laid on the banks of the river after the missing Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were recovered on Friday, January 31.

The bodies, believed to be those of the sisters, were recovered near Victoria Bridge and Aberdeen Boat Club, close to where they had last been seen on January 7 before they vanished.

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Flowers were left outside the boathouse in memory of the pair, who had moved to Scotland from Hungary several years ago before settling in Aberdeen.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been launched from a friend of the Huszti sisters, Anita Vida, to help support the family.

Anita, who has been a part of Hungarian community living in Aberdeen since 2011, wrote on JustGiving: "We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss of Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, who went missing on 7th of January and were sadly discovered on 31st in River Dee, Aberdeen.

"This unimaginable loss has left their family devastated and in this difficult time we want to come together to offer our support."

"If you are able to contribute, any donation - no matter the amount - will help ease the financial burden on their grieving loved ones.

"Your kindness and generosity will mean so much to the family as they navigate this heartbreaking time. Thank you for your support, compassion and prayers."

The £1,500 target has already been surpassed after over 150 donations from loved ones and well-wishers, with several who donated leaving messages of condolence.

A massive search operation was launched after the sisters were reported missing by their landlord, who they had sent a text to on the night of their disappearance confirming they would not be returning to their city centre flat.

Police had called off searches of the River Dee after three weeks before the bodies were discovered in the morning and evening of January 31.

Officers investigating their disappearance stated there was nothing to suggest any suspicious circumstances or criminality.

Dive teams had been seen in the river throughout January searching for the pair, with a police boat patrolling the river on Friday morning following the discovery of the first body.

Coastguard search and rescue workers were at the scene assisting with the search, patrolling the banks of the river, with police confirming the second body was found later that same evening.

Police have since thanked the public for their assistance with the investigation, and added they remain in contact with the Huszti family following Friday's tragic recoveries.

Superintendent David Howieson said on Friday: "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 further afield and I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with our investigation."

To donate to the fundraiser to help support the Huszti family, click here.