Ben Needham’s grandfather has sadly passed away just before the 35th anniversary of his grandson’s disappearance. Ben’s mother, Kerry Needham, residing in Turkey, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, recalling her father’s final words about his desire to know Ben’s fate before his passing.
Kerry revealed that her father never accepted the police theory of an accident, firmly believing that Ben was abducted. She emphasized her determination to continue the quest for answers that her father had longed for, despite the grief of his recent death.
The heartbreaking news of her father’s death came on the day before the anniversary of Ben’s disappearance from Kos. Ben was only 21 months old when he went missing in 1991 while staying with his grandparents on the island.
Eddie, aged 77 and a former builder from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, was a devoted family man who tirelessly searched for Ben, even sleeping on the beach during the search efforts. Kerry described him as a strong and humorous individual who carried a heavy burden of guilt, which she tried to alleviate by assuring him of her forgiveness and understanding.
Reflecting on her parents’ decision to move to Kos, Kerry mentioned Eddie’s love for travel and adventure, which influenced her own desire for exploration. Eddie, haunted by guilt over Ben’s disappearance, expressed his anguish and regret during his last visit to Kos, where he had hoped for a peaceful life with his family.
Despite the tragedy, Kerry vowed to uncover the truth to bring peace to her father’s soul. The family’s journey from Sheffield to Greece, filled with hopes of a better life, was marred by the devastating events surrounding Ben’s disappearance, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
