English
“compiled:Sophia Bennett”
The US tourist found dead in Spain’s Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park has been identified as 27-year-old Cole Henderson. Spanish police announced Tuesday that rescuers located his body in a remote, hard-to-reach area on the north face of Monte Perdido, in the municipality of Bielsa.
Authorities believe Henderson fell about 200 metres while hiking the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees. Rescue teams used a crane to airlift his body from the rugged terrain.
Disappearance triggered international search
Henderson, who lived in the Netherlands, was reported missing on July 14 — one day after he was due to return home. Police said he had parked his car in the nearby town of Torla on July 9 before starting his hike.
Friends raised the alarm after he missed his July 13 flight from Spain to Amsterdam. They said he had been hiking with them earlier in the trip but decided to continue alone, switching his phone to airplane mode to preserve battery life. His last text message, sent on July 9 around 2 p.m., placed him near Monte Perdido.
Large-scale rescue operation
Spanish authorities deployed search teams, canine units, helicopters, drones, and mountain specialists in a bid to locate him. The search drew media attention after his friends shared pleas for help on social media.
Police confirmed Henderson “showed no signs compatible with life” when found. The recovery marks another fatal hiking incident in the region.
Previous incidents in the Pyrenees
In June 2024, rescuers found a 70-year-old British hiker dead near the Aspe peak in the western Pyrenees, four days after he went missing. That case also required an extensive mountain search before an air unit transported the body to safety.
Monte Perdido, known for its steep cliffs and unpredictable weather, remains a challenging destination for even experienced hikers. Authorities urge visitors to take safety precautions, travel in groups, and remain in contact with others during their treks.
