Terry Anderson, the former Associated Press correspondent who was the longest-held Western hostage in Lebanon, has passed away at the age of 76. Anderson endured nearly seven years of captivity after being abducted in 1985 before being released. His daughter, Sulome Anderson, confirmed that he died at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York due to complications from recent heart surgery.
Julie Pace, senior vice president and executive editor of the AP, praised Anderson’s bravery and dedication to journalism during his time in captivity. Anderson chronicled his harrowing experience in his memoir “Den of Lions” and struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder after his release.
Despite facing financial challenges in his later years, Anderson found solace on a horse farm in Virginia after retiring from the University of Florida. He was known for his wit and humor, which helped him endure the harsh conditions of his imprisonment.
Anderson, who was kidnapped by Islamic militants in war-torn Lebanon, credited his faith and forgiveness for helping him overcome the anger and trauma of his captivity. His daughter, Sulome, even reconciled with him after writing a book about forgiving one of her father’s kidnappers.
Throughout his diverse career in journalism, Anderson reported from war zones in Lebanon to his peaceful farm in Virginia, touching the lives of many along the way. His legacy will live on through his courageous storytelling and resilience in the face of adversity.
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