Rescuers Recover Body of Missing American Hiker Cole Henderson in the Pyrenees

Braking News update August 12, 2025

Rescuers Recover Body of Missing American Hiker Cole Henderson in the Pyrenees

By Zamal Uddin
Date: August 13, 2025

Spanish rescue teams have tragically recovered the body of Cole Henderson, a 27-year-old American hiker who went missing in the Pyrenees mountains last month. The discovery marks the heartbreaking end to an intense search effort that lasted weeks.

Where Was Cole Henderson Found?

According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, Henderson’s body was located on the north face of Monte Perdido, the third-highest peak in the Pyrenees, standing at 3,355 meters (11,007 feet). The area is known for its challenging terrain and was difficult to access, requiring specialist mountain rescue teams to use a crane for airlifting.

Timeline of the Disappearance

Henderson began his solo hike on July 9, 2025, in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in the province of Huesca, Spain. Before starting, he texted a friend that he had parked his car and was switching his phone to airplane mode. After failing to catch his scheduled flight back to the Netherlands on July 12, he was reported missing, prompting a search operation starting July 14.

Search and Rescue Efforts

The search involved mountain rescue specialists and helicopter teams from the Spanish Air Service, focusing on the possibility that Henderson attempted to climb Monte Perdido. The route Henderson was believed to have taken is rated “Peu Difficile (PD),” meaning somewhat difficult, often involving steep climbs and requiring equipment like ice axes or crampons.

Early July footage showed the usual climbing route from the town of Torla was still covered with snow, adding extra challenges for both hikers and rescuers.

Understanding the Risks of Monte Perdido Hikes

Monte Perdido attracts many adventurous climbers, but the mountain’s snowy and icy conditions during early summer can make the ascent dangerous. The PD route, while sometimes climbed without ropes, still demands technical skill and specialized equipment.

What This Means for Hikers

This tragic incident is a sobering reminder for hikers and climbers to prepare adequately for high-altitude and difficult routes, especially in changing weather conditions. Solo hikes in remote mountainous areas should be approached with caution, and communication devices should be kept accessible whenever possible.