Urgent Search for Missing Herington Man James Cole
Disappearance on Flint Hills Trail
Missing person in Kansas. The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office is calling for the public’s help in locating 24-year-old James Cole of Herington, Kansas. James disappeared on Sunday, August 31, 2025, after reportedly starting a walk on the Flint Hills Nature Trail. Witnesses say he began his trek at about 7:15 a.m., walking east from Herington.
Description of James Cole
James Cole is described as a 24-year-old white male, standing 5’11” tall and weighing around 140 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Authorities note that when he started on the trail, he carried no jacket, no food, and no water, leaving him particularly vulnerable to heat, dehydration, or exhaustion.
Tracking Efforts
Bloodhounds followed James’s trail from Herington to 2800 Avenue and U.S. Highway 56, which lies between Herington and Delavan in western Morris County. From there, his scent led investigators as far as Burdick, where it eventually disappeared. This sudden loss of trail has left deputies deeply concerned and searching for new leads.
Why Authorities Are Alarmed
The absence of supplies raises immediate concerns for James’s safety. Without water or food, anyone traveling long distances on foot in Kansas heat faces serious risks. Moreover, the lack of a jacket could leave him vulnerable to overnight temperature drops. Authorities emphasize that time is critical, as prolonged exposure without resources greatly increases danger.
Family Connections
The Sheriff’s Office noted that James has extended family in the Emporia area. Investigators are pursuing all possible connections, but so far, his family has not been able to confirm recent contact. Loved ones are pleading for public awareness and assistance in spreading information about his case.
Community’s Role in the Search
The public plays a vital role in finding James. Residents living near Herington, Delavan, Burdick, and Emporia should check security footage, farmlands, barns, and outdoor buildings. Even small details—such as spotting a man walking along a rural road—could provide the breakthrough investigators desperately need.
How to Help
If you have any information on James’s whereabouts, you are urged to call the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-263-4081 or the Davidson County Dispatch at 758-258-2226. Authorities stress the importance of contacting law enforcement immediately rather than posting unverified information on social media, which can hinder the investigation.
A Call for Vigilance
James’s disappearance is a pressing matter that requires the community’s full attention. His youth, lack of supplies, and abrupt vanishing point make the case especially urgent. By remaining alert and reporting any sightings, the public can help bring James Cole back home safely.
