Friends reported Cole Henderson missing after he did not return from a hike on July 9, leading to a search by Spanish authorities in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.**
Search Intensifies for Missing American Hiker in Spanish Pyrenees**
Search Intensifies for Missing American Hiker in Spanish Pyrenees**
Cole Henderson, 27, vanished during a challenging hike near Mount Perdido, prompting extensive rescue efforts in the region.**
Spanish rescue teams are diligently searching the Pyrenees mountains for Cole Henderson, a 27-year-old American who has been missing since July 9. He was last in contact with friends, indicating he was about to embark on a hike, prior to turning his phone to airplane mode. According to his social media posts, Henderson was near Mount Perdido in northeastern Spain at that time.
Friends have detailed that Henderson texted them around 2 p.m. on the day he went missing. After parking his vehicle in Torla, a village close to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, he was expected to undertake a challenging hike. His friend, Max Senoff, shared on Facebook that while they were uncertain of his exact hiking route, they believed he entered the park from the Torla side.
Henderson had recently arrived in Spain from Amsterdam, where he had been residing and working. His vacation itinerary included visiting Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls festival. Tragically, after failing to board a return flight to the Netherlands the following weekend, his friends reported him missing.
The Guardia Civil, Spain's police force, initiated a search in Huesca province on July 14, deploying helicopters and specialized rescue units to scour the terrain. Search teams discovered Henderson's car in a parking area in Torla, a common starting point for hikers during the summer season when park access is limited. Among the items found was a receipt for camping fuel, indicating preparations for an overnight wilderness stay.
Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, known for its stunning landscapes that feature lush meadows and steep canyons, surrounds Mount Perdido, the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees, which presents a challenging ascent. Henderson, an enthusiastic traveler known for organizing group excursions, showcased a passion for outdoor activities through his social media posts. Friends describe him as an avid planner, someone who values social engagement, and an active member of his community in the Netherlands.
As the search continues, friends and family remain hopeful for Henderson's safe return.
