Terry Anderson, the former Mideast correspondent for The Associated Press, has passed away at the age of 76. Anderson was kidnapped in 1985 and held captive for nearly seven years in Lebanon. His daughter confirmed that he died at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York.
Anderson's daughter, Sulome Anderson, mentioned that despite the extreme suffering he endured during his captivity, he had found peace in recent years. The cause of his death is currently unknown, although it was revealed that he had undergone heart surgery recently.
Anderson had a distinguished career as a journalist, working in various locations such as Kentucky, Tokyo, South Africa, and Lebanon. He volunteered to be the news agency's chief Middle East correspondent in Lebanon in 1982 following Israel's invasion. He covered Lebanon's civil war for three years before being captured in 1985. He was eventually released in 1991, coinciding with the end of the 16-year civil war.
His autobiography, 'Den of Lions,' provided a detailed account of his time in captivity. Anderson once expressed his feelings about his capture, acknowledging the guilt and the struggle to cope with the situation on a day-to-day basis.
Despite the challenges he faced, Anderson's daughter emphasized his humanitarian work with organizations such as the Vietnam Children's Fund, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and his support for homeless veterans. She highlighted his dedication to various causes and expressed a desire for him to be remembered for his positive contributions rather than his ordeal as a hostage.
