Rescue teams in Spain are actively searching for an American hiker, Cole Henderson, who has been missing in the Pyrenees for eight days. The Guardia Civil reported that specialist mountain rescue teams and helicopters from the Air Service are conducting the search in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, located in northern Spain. Henderson, 27, was last heard from on July 9, 2023, according to his friend, Max Senoff, who shared details in a Facebook post on July 11, 2023.
In his last communication, Henderson informed Senoff that he had parked his car, switched his phone to airplane mode, and was preparing to begin his hike. After missing his flight home to the Netherlands on July 12, 2023, Henderson was reported missing to authorities on July 14, 2023. The Guardia Civil discovered Henderson’s vehicle parked in Torla, a town situated to the west of the national park.
Senoff believes that Henderson may have been attempting to climb Monte Perdido, which stands as the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees at 11,007 feet (3,355 meters). Social media footage reveals that the usual route from Torla, where Henderson’s car was found, was still covered in snow during early July. This particular climbing route is classified as “Peu Difficile” (PD), indicating that it is “somewhat difficult” according to the climbing community.
Routes rated as PD are often navigated without ropes; however, they can present steep climbing sections or crevassed glaciers, necessitating specialized equipment such as ice axes or crampons.
Henderson’s background includes attending St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware, followed by his studies in Computer Science at Rhodes College in Tennessee. The search for him continues as authorities remain hopeful for his safe return.
The situation highlights the risks associated with mountain hiking, particularly in challenging weather conditions. Rescue teams are urging hikers to remain vigilant and fully prepared when embarking on such ventures, especially in unpredictable environments like the Pyrenees.
