Terry Anderson, the American journalist who endured more than six years of captivity in Lebanon as the longest-held Western hostage, passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Greenwood Lake, N.Y. His daughter, Sulome Anderson, confirmed that the cause of death was complications from recent heart surgery.
Anderson, the Beirut bureau chief for The Associated Press, was abducted by Shia Hezbollah militants of the Islamic Jihad Organization in 1985. He was blindfolded, beaten, and chained, spending over 2,400 days in captivity in various locations in Lebanon. The militants sought to pressure the Reagan administration during the Iran-Contra Affair, using Anderson as a bargaining chip.
After his release in 1991, Anderson married his fiancé and met his 6-year-old daughter for the first time. Despite the lack of physical torture during his captivity, Anderson spoke of the mental and emotional toll it took on him. He found solace in the Bible and emphasized the importance of maintaining self-respect and dignity.
Born in Ohio, Anderson served in the Marines before pursuing a career in journalism. He worked for The A.P. in various countries before his time in Lebanon. Following his release, he was involved in politics, business, and philanthropy, founding the Vietnam Children’s Fund and serving as the honorary chairman of the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Anderson’s legacy lives on through his work in journalism and his dedication to helping others. His daughter Sulome, second wife Madeleine, another daughter Gabrielle, sister Judy, and brother Jack survive him. Anderson’s journey from captivity to freedom serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
