A retired British doctor has disappeared in the French Pyrenees.Tom Doherty, 67, from St Albans, was hiking and camping near Col d’Escots when his family lost contact with him on Tuesday.
His daughter, Rachel Doherty, mentioned that the family last communicated with Mr Doherty via WhatsApp shortly after 7pm. He had sent messages seeking assistance, indicating he had fallen and was immobile.
MISSING PERSON – PLEASE HELP
My friend’s dad had an accident in the Ariège region of the Pyrenees on Tuesday. Mountain rescue are trying to locate him
Has anyone seen him?
His car has been found near Pouech de Gerac and he was last seen at 12:30pm Tues near Etang de la Piede pic.twitter.com/wnO0HFAFON
— Clare Carlile (@ClareCarlile) August 8, 2024
Ms Doherty stated, ‘He shared a few pictures of the scenery and on Tuesday afternoon, sent one of clouds over a mountain, with the caption “bugger”. We advised him to be cautious and to descend. The last message we received from him was on Tuesday, saying he had fallen and couldn’t move. That’s the last we’ve heard. The search party has located his car. We’re deeply worried and extremely concerned for his safety.’
Mr Doherty, a grandfather of one, with three daughters and a son, began his hike in the Pyrenees on Saturday. Known as an avid and experienced walker, his disappearance has prompted significant concern.
His wife and one of his children have been at his last known location since Wednesday morning, with Ms Doherty now heading to France to join the search efforts. The search operation includes dogs and helicopters.
According to his family, the retired doctor was a respected consultant in Tropical Medicine, specialising in Malaria, who worked globally. Since retiring nearly a decade ago, he has spent much of his time in France.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated, ‘We are supporting the family of a British man missing in France and are in contact with the local authorities.’