Uruguayan missing in Córdoba found after 5 days of anguish
After several days of uncertainty and an intense search, Bryan Mathías Espínola, the Uruguayan who disappeared in Córdoba , was finally found alive. The news was confirmed by the Consulate General of Uruguay in Buenos Aires through its social media channels, and brought immediate relief to his family and the Uruguayan community in Argentina.
The 27-year-old man had traveled to the Argentine province of Córdoba with his family in search of employment opportunities. His trail disappeared on Tuesday, September 9, just hours after his arrival. Since then, his family and authorities have been working intensively to locate him.
A key fact: a camera captured his location
The lead that led to his location was an image captured by a security camera in the Cordoba town of Río Primero , about 50 kilometers from the provincial capital. In the recording, he was seen walking alone through a park. The Córdoba Police located him shortly after and detained him briefly to facilitate his reunion with his family .
Espínola's mother, visibly relieved, told Uruguayan media: "Thank God he's back. It's been a horrible agony all these days ." The young man had no visible injuries and was treated by police and medical personnel before being reunited with his loved ones.
The family, key in the search
From the moment contact with Bryan was lost, his brothers traveled to Córdoba and became directly involved in the search. They scoured hospitals, bus stations, downtown streets, and rural areas. They also requested camera footage and handed out posters with his photograph. The combined efforts of the family, the local community, and the Uruguayan Consulate were decisive.
One of the most concerning elements was that, according to his family, Bryan had sent a WhatsApp message to his brother announcing that he had purchased a ticket to return to Uruguay , but had not communicated since. There was also no record of him entering Uruguayan territory across the border.
How protocols are activated in cases of disappearances abroad
When a Uruguayan citizen goes missing outside the country, the response protocol includes the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , through the consulates. In this case, the Consulate in Buenos Aires coordinated with Argentine police authorities to disseminate the alert and channel information.
In addition, efforts were made with Interpol to disseminate the young man's information on international search networks, although the dissemination did not reach a global level, as Argentine authorities maintained the hypothesis that the disappearance was voluntary.
This case highlights the importance of having networks of contact and bilateral cooperation , especially in situations where there is no apparent crime, but there is a high level of human risk.
An experience that left its mark
Bryan Espínola's story reflects the difficulties that people who migrate or move in search of work can face. Although in this case the outcome was positive, this is not always the case. Therefore, consular assistance specialists recommend maintaining regular contact with family members and establishing communication routines, especially during prolonged stays abroad.
Bryan's family publicly thanked those who helped in the search and, although they preferred not to give further details about the cause of his disappearance, made it clear that the young man is going through an emotional recovery process.
A situation that exposes invisible realities
Cases like Bryan's, although rare, reflect a reality faced by many young people who migrate or relocate in search of new opportunities. Emotional vulnerability, economic pressure, and disconnection from their surroundings can lead to episodes of disorientation or isolation. In unfamiliar contexts, even an impulsive decision can lead to a critical situation.
Consular authorities and health specialists recommend that those traveling abroad—especially for work or personal reasons—always maintain an active support and communication network with family and friends, and not underestimate behavioral changes or complex emotional states. In many cases, appropriate support can prevent tragic outcomes.
