(NationRise.com) – A former AP reporter who spent much of his career traveling the world before terrorists kidnapped him in the 1980s has died.
Terry Anderson, 76, was resting at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York, when he died on April 21st. His daughter, Sulome Anderson, said he succumbed to complications that followed his recent heart surgery. However, she mentioned that Anderson “found a quiet, comfortable peace in recent years” leading up to his death despite his years of abuse and captivity at the hands of Islamic terrorists.
She also discussed an interaction with her father just a week before his death. She said her partner asked if there was anything else he wanted to experience in life. Anderson said he was content after having lived so much. She called the grief that has followed “insurmountable” in a recent X (formerly Twitter) post.
My greatest hero & most complicated love has left me holding my heart together, trying to keep it from shattering. Every time I think ok, I can handle this now; some insurmountable wave of grief hits. Deep thanks for the countless condolences I’ve received.
Love you always, Dad. pic.twitter.com/8YzcmqzEcz
— Sulome (@SulomeAnderson) April 23, 2024
Julie Pace, who currently serves as the AP’s senior vice president and executive editor, expressed her sadness while praising Anderson’s work. She said he “demonstrated great bravery and resolve” while maintaining an unwavering commitment to bringing the truth to Americans. She also acknowledged his sacrifices while expressing gratitude for the work he did.
Anderson joined the Associated Press shortly after graduating from Iowa State University in 1974. He had previously served as a Marine. He initially covered stories throughout Asia before the AP assigned him as its chief Middle East correspondent. He then spent years covering internal conflicts that threatened to overwhelm Lebanon while it struggled to fight a war against Israel.
He took a day off on March 16, 1985, to rest and play tennis with Don Mell, who previously worked as a photographer. Shortly after Mell dropped off Anderson, armed Islamic militants pulled him from his car and took him into custody. Anderson would later say that he believes he was specifically targeted over tough questions he asked of Hezbollah.
He then spent nearly seven years as a hostage. During that time, he was tied to walls, beaten, and threatened with guns. His captors would also keep him in solitary confinement for extended periods.
However, Anderson and several fellow captors often discussed his refusal to stay quiet. He frequently demanded better food and living conditions. He would also argue with captors about political and religious issues. He was finally set free in December 1991.
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