He vanished from a locked cabin on a cruise ship somewhere in the Mediterranean. Blood was found on the balcony below. He was never seen again.
The Honeymoon
George Allen Smith IV, 26, of Connecticut, and his wife of ten days, Jennifer Hagel Smith, were honeymooning aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas in the Mediterranean in the summer of 2005. The couple appeared to be enjoying the trip, socializing with other passengers, including a group of young men in their late teens and twenties.
The Final Night
On the night of July 4 into July 5, 2005, George and Jennifer spent time at the ship's casino and disco with several new acquaintances. An argument between the couple that night ended with Jennifer leaving the disco separately. Witnesses say George, visibly intoxicated, was helped back to his cabin by several of the young men around 4:02 a.m., based on key card records — the last confirmed sighting of him.
A neighboring cabin passenger later reported hearing loud voices, sounds consistent with furniture being moved, and eventually a loud thud around the time investigators believe George went overboard. Jennifer was found early that morning passed out in a separate area of the ship, with no memory of the hours in question.
The Investigation
The next morning, blood was discovered on the ship's exterior canopy below the couple's cabin balcony, as well as inside and outside the room. Royal Caribbean staff cleaned some of the blood before Turkish authorities had fully processed the scene, drawing criticism. No trace of George was ever found, and his body has never been recovered.
The FBI investigated the case, focusing particular attention on a group of young men George had socialized with that night, some of whom were later removed from the ship after separate misconduct allegations. No one has ever been charged in connection with George's disappearance.
Where the Case Stands
George's family has maintained he was killed and that the circumstances were mishandled by the cruise line and investigators. Jennifer Hagel Smith reached a settlement with the cruise line and has since remarried. The case remains unsolved and legally classified as a disappearance.
FAQ
Was George Smith's body ever found?
No. He has never been found, and the case remains unsolved.
Has anyone been charged in the case?
No. Despite an FBI investigation, no charges have been filed.
What evidence was found at the scene?
Blood was found on the ship's exterior canopy and inside and outside the couple's cabin.