Imagine being a survivor of one of the most harrowing plane crashes in history. This was the reality for Javier Methol, a Uruguayan businessman who survived the infamous Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in the Andes in 1972. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and survival against the odds.
Early Life and Background
Javier Alfredo Methol Abal, known as Javier Methol, was born on December 11, 1935, in Montevideo, Uruguay. His roots can be traced back to a Basque-French and Galician heritage. Raised in an upper-middle-class family, Methol enjoyed a comfortable childhood and was groomed for success from an early age.
His upbringing was not without its share of challenges, however. At a young age, Methol was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a disease that required him to be hospitalized for five months in the United States. This early brush with death would later equip him with a steely resolve and strong survival instincts.
Career in the Tobacco Industry
Upon returning to Uruguay, Methol joined the family business, Abal Hnos S.A., a well-known cigarette factory. He would later travel to Cuba and the United States to acquire technical skills in the tobacco industry, paving the way for his future career.
His dedication and hard work led to his rise within the company, and he became an integral part of the family enterprise. His expertise in the tobacco industry was not just limited to the production line but extended to understanding the intricate business dynamics of the industry as well.
The Fateful Flight: Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571
Life, however, had a cruel twist in store. In 1972, Methol, along with his wife, Liliana Navarro, boarded the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571. They were headed for a rugby match in Chile, but their plane crashed in the Andes, marking the beginning of a horrendous ordeal.
The crash resulted in the loss of many lives, including that of Methol’s wife, Liliana, who tragically died in an avalanche following the crash. As one of the 16 survivors, Methol was faced with the grim reality of surviving in the harsh Andean environment.
The survivors, including Methol, had to make unimaginable choices to stay alive. For 72 days, they endured the brutal cold and hunger, all the while hoping and praying for rescue. This experience would change Methol’s life forever, shaping his future and leaving an indelible mark on his psyche.
Survival in the Andes: The 72-Day Ordeal
The crash of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 marked the beginning of a horrific ordeal for Javier Methol. Stranded in the unforgiving Andes, Methol, along with the other survivors, faced the grim reality of surviving in an environment known for its brutal cold and scarce resources.
For 72 grueling days, Methol and his fellow survivors had to make unimaginable choices. The situation was so dire, they resorted to eating the flesh of their deceased teammates to stay alive. This was an act of desperate survival, a testament to the extreme conditions they were forced to endure.
Leadership and Role Among the Survivors
Despite the harrowing circumstances, Methol’s resilience came to the fore. He played a significant leadership role among the survivors, earning the nickname “Dumbo”. His calm demeanor and steadfast determination provided a beacon of hope, a semblance of order amidst the chaos.
His ability to maintain unity and morale among the survivors was instrumental in their survival. He organized and motivated the group, ensuring they had the mental and emotional strength to survive the ordeal. His leadership was a crucial factor in the group’s ultimate rescue.
Rescue and Return to Uruguay
On December 20, 1972, after more than two months of enduring the harsh Andean environment, Methol and the other survivors were finally rescued. Their rescue was a relief, yet it marked the end of a traumatic ordeal, one that would leave a lasting impact on Methol’s life.
Upon his return to Uruguay, Methol experienced a whirlwind of emotions. He had survived a horrific ordeal, but it came at a tremendous cost. He had lost his wife in the crash and had to come to terms with the tragic events he experienced.
His return to normal life was challenging. He had to grapple with the trauma of his experience while trying to rebuild his life. However, his resilience and determination once again came to the fore. He returned to work, resumed his career, and started the process of healing from the traumatic experience he had undergone.
Later Career and Motivational Speaking
After enduring the unimaginable in the Andes, Javier Methol returned to Uruguay and resumed his career in the tobacco industry. He continued working at Abal Hnos S.A., the family business he had been a part of before the tragic crash. His grit and determination saw him rise through the ranks to become a member of the company’s board of directors and manager of corporate affairs. The company was later acquired by Philip Morris International in 1979.
But Methol didn’t just limit himself to the business world. His survival story had given him a new perspective on life, and he wanted to share it with others. He began giving motivational lectures, drawing from his experiences in the Andes. His will to survive, his leadership skills, and his resilience in the face of adversity became key themes in his speeches.
In 2007, Methol founded the ¡Viven Foundation. The foundation was a testament to his commitment to helping others and his desire to turn his harrowing experience into something positive.
Personal Life and Family
Methol’s personal life was marked by profound loss and new beginnings. He was married to Liliana Beatriz Navarro at the time of the crash. They had four children together, but tragically, Liliana did not survive the crash. After her death, Methol found love again and married Ana María de Amorrortu from Argentina. Together, they had four more children, bringing new joy into Methol’s life.
Methol was a devout Catholic. His faith played a significant role in his life and helped him navigate the many challenges he faced. Unfortunately, on June 4, 2015, Methol passed away at the age of 79 due to cancer.
Legacy and Impact
The story of Javier Methol is one that continues to inspire and motivate people around the world. His survival against all odds, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his determination to live a meaningful life after the crash are lessons in human strength and the power of the human spirit.
The story of Methol and the other survivors of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 has been documented in various forms. Piers Paul Read’s book “Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors” and the documentary “Stranded: I’ve Come From a Plane That Crashed in the Mountains” are two notable works that capture their harrowing ordeal. Methol’s memoirs are also shared through an Instagram account managed by his family, keeping his memory alive and inspiring new generations.
Methol’s legacy is a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His life and experiences continue to inspire, educate, and motivate people all over the world.
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