Yes. You don't need to update a lost file. Create a new Descriptor wallet and use the seed phrase from your hardware wallet or the original BIP39 recovery phrase. If you had an old legacy wallet (non-HD), the seed phrase didn't exist—you need the actual wallet.dat .
Slowly, he disconnected the hard drive, sealed it in an anti-static bag, and placed it in a fireproof safe. Tomorrow, he would drive to Reykjavik, find a secure connection, and broadcast just enough to pay the hospital. bitcoin core walletdat upd