Terry Anderson, AP reporter kidnapped in Lebanon and held hostage for several years, passes away at 76

Terry Anderson, the renowned Associated Press (AP) reporter who was kidnapped in Lebanon and held hostage for nearly seven years, has passed away at the age of 76. Anderson’s abduction in 1985 made headlines around the world, and his subsequent memoir, “Den of Lions,” shed light on the harrowing experiences he endured during his captivity. His daughter, Sulome Anderson, confirmed that he died at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York, due to complications from recent heart surgery.

Throughout his career, Terry Anderson exemplified the values of on-the-ground journalism, demonstrating immense bravery and resilience in his reporting and during his years as a hostage. Julie Pace, the senior vice president and executive editor of the AP, expressed deep appreciation for Anderson’s sacrifices and the impact of his work. Anderson himself never sought to be called a hero, despite being recognized as one by many. Sulome Anderson shared that her father was content with the life he had lived and had no specific items on his bucket list.

Following his release in 1991, Terry Anderson embarked on a diverse range of endeavors. He traveled extensively, delivering public speeches and teaching journalism at esteemed universities. In addition, he ventured into various business ventures, including owning a blues bar, Cajun restaurant, horse ranch, and gourmet restaurant. However, he faced challenges along the way, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and facing financial difficulties due to bad investments. In 2009, he filed for bankruptcy after losing most of the money he won from frozen Iranian assets.

In 2015, upon retiring from the University of Florida, Anderson settled on a small horse farm in rural northern Virginia. He found solace in the peaceful surroundings and considered himself to be doing well. Despite the hardships he endured, Anderson maintained his quick wit and sense of humor throughout his ordeal. His ability to find laughter even in the darkest times was evident when he joked with his kidnapper about a false radio report of his release.

Anderson’s kidnapping was a result of being one of the few remaining Westerners in Lebanon during a time of intense conflict. His role as a journalist made him a target for suspicion among the Islamic militants of Hezbollah. For nearly seven years, Anderson faced unimaginable brutality, including physical abuse, threats of death, and extended periods of solitary confinement. He emerged as the longest-held Western hostage of Hezbollah, outlasting other captives like Terry Waite.

Despite the immense suffering he endured, Anderson did not let it define him. He engaged in lively debates with his captors, demanded better treatment and food, and taught sign language to fellow hostages as a means of communication. His humor often masked the lasting effects of PTSD, which he acknowledged struggling with for years. Although he received counseling from experts in hostage decompression, Anderson admitted that he didn’t fully recognize the extent of the damage caused by his captivity.

At the time of his abduction, Anderson was engaged to be married, and his daughter, Sulome, was six months pregnant. Although his marriage ended in divorce a few years after his release, Anderson and his daughter were estranged for a significant period. It was only after Sulome wrote her critically acclaimed book, “The Hostage’s Daughter,” which detailed her journey to confront and forgive one of her father’s kidnappers, that they were able to reconcile. Anderson expressed pride in his daughter’s accomplishments and considered her to be a better journalist than he ever was.

Born on October 27, 1947, Terry Alan Anderson grew up in Vermilion, Ohio, where his father worked as a police officer. Instead of accepting a scholarship to the University of Michigan, Anderson enlisted in the Marines and served in the Vietnam War. After returning home, he pursued a double major in journalism and political science at Iowa State University before joining the AP. Throughout his career, Anderson reported from various locations, including Kentucky, Japan, and South Africa, before arriving in Lebanon in 1982.

While Terry Anderson’s life was marked by extreme suffering during his captivity, he found solace and peace in his later years. He dedicated himself to humanitarian causes, such as the Vietnam Children’s Fund, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and supporting homeless veterans. Sulome Anderson emphasized that her father would prefer to be remembered for his contributions to these causes rather than solely for his time as a hostage.

Memorial arrangements for Terry Anderson are yet to be announced. His passing serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices journalists make while pursuing the truth and shedding light on the world’s most challenging stories. Anderson’s unwavering commitment to his profession and his resilience in the face of adversity will continue to inspire generations of journalists and readers alike.