MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Adam Cruthirds said he met Cole Henderson back in 2016 when they were both freshmen at Rhodes College in Memphis.
Henderson was reported missing on July 14 after he missed his flight home to the Netherlands on July 12. He was hiking in the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park in northern Spain.
“He always brings the life of the party. When I met him, I was going through treatment at St. Jude. So, he was always checking in on me, always that kind of guy,” said Cruthirds.
Cruthirds said that not long after meeting Henderson, they became very close. He said Henderson is a humble guy who loves going on adventures, spending time outdoors and loves hiking.
“We’ve gone to Vegas, we’ve hiked the Smokies, we’ve gone to Japan…” said Cruthirds.
(Second from right) Cole Henderson, a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, who is considered missing after embarking on a hiking trip at Ordessa y Monte Perdido National Park in Northern Spain(Adam Cruthirds)
Cruthirds said Henderson got a new job and then headed to Amsterdam. He explained Henderson looked forward to what was next and a new challenge, which is how he ended up at the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park on July 9.
Cruthirds said he remembered hearing about Henderson being reported as missing.
“It’s just a weird feeling that I’ve never dealt with before. Where do you grieve? Where do you pray and hold out hope?” he said.
Cruthirds said Henderson’s parents are in Spain helping to bring their son home, along with other hikers and even Spanish rescue teams who are all searching.
He said they are all staying positive because Henderson was experienced and always planned everything out. Cruthirds said Henderson used a map and also had proper gear.
“He’s definitely been in situations where things, you know, might go awry or you’ve got to think on your feet, and I have no doubt that’s what he’s doing,” he said.
Cruthirds said it’s a large search area, and this time of the year, there is still some snow and ice.
Cole Henderson, a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, who is considered missing after embarking on a hiking trip at Ordessa y Monte Perdido National Park in Northern Spain(Adam Cruthirds)
“I know there was a bad storm, and when you are that high up in elevation, storms can kind of get created in the mountains out of nowhere,” said Cruthirds, who went on to say that Henderson is a fighter and that everyone is holding out hope he will be brought home.
Cruthirds said they are also asking for help from anyone who may have seen Henderson, a backpack or even a piece of clothing while they were hiking, to share that information with them.
“He’ll stay strong. I have no doubt about that,” said Cruthirds.
Cruthirds said they are using #ColeinSpain on social media to share updates and information.
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