Update -- Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005
Steve, our private investigator in Thailand, describes yesterday as a heavy day. Steve, David, and Matt returned to Phi Phi Island. They report that the Thai authorities have done an impressive job of cleaning up the isthmus between the two halves of the island, where the Charlie resort and the PP Princess Resort (where Ben and Libby were staying) were located. Steve walked the periphery, checking to see whether any more remains lingered in the rubble. There were none. Phi Phi Island, in the area where Ben and Libby stayed and, more importantly, where Libby was recovered, is clear.
Steve was able to show David the exact spot where Bungalow 155 was located, and David called Hope and Bob from the site. He took some sand from the site and will be bringing it home with him. Difficult as it is, we know how important it is for David to see where his brother was. It was a beautiful day, much as it was the day the tsunami struck.
After spending time on Phi Phi, they returned to the morgue in Krabi that has been set up for tsunami victims; primarily to check on the status of new remains that had been removed from Phi Phi. None were a match for Ben. Steve also arranged for a review of some dental records. None are a match for Ben. The investigation in Krabi has Steve feeling certain that Ben has not passed through Krabi.
Many of you have generously expressed interest in making a donation to a fund in Ben’s honor. We have modified the fund to allow existing and future contributions to be tax-deductible. As before, all donations will be used for tsunami relief, and will not be used to pay for any costs associated with our search for Ben. Donations to the Fund may be made to:
Tsunami Relief Fund in Honor of Ben Abels TRF DAF
Checks may be mailed or delivered to:
Tsunami Relief Fund
2110 Central Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
The search continues, and we feel confident that anything that can be done is being done. The Abels family thanks you for your prayers, thoughts, calls, and warm wishes. They are so very meaningful in this awful time.
Steve was able to show David the exact spot where Bungalow 155 was located, and David called Hope and Bob from the site. He took some sand from the site and will be bringing it home with him. Difficult as it is, we know how important it is for David to see where his brother was. It was a beautiful day, much as it was the day the tsunami struck.
After spending time on Phi Phi, they returned to the morgue in Krabi that has been set up for tsunami victims; primarily to check on the status of new remains that had been removed from Phi Phi. None were a match for Ben. Steve also arranged for a review of some dental records. None are a match for Ben. The investigation in Krabi has Steve feeling certain that Ben has not passed through Krabi.
Many of you have generously expressed interest in making a donation to a fund in Ben’s honor. We have modified the fund to allow existing and future contributions to be tax-deductible. As before, all donations will be used for tsunami relief, and will not be used to pay for any costs associated with our search for Ben. Donations to the Fund may be made to:
Tsunami Relief Fund in Honor of Ben Abels TRF DAF
Checks may be mailed or delivered to:
Tsunami Relief Fund
2110 Central Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
The search continues, and we feel confident that anything that can be done is being done. The Abels family thanks you for your prayers, thoughts, calls, and warm wishes. They are so very meaningful in this awful time.
5 Comments:
As you know there are no words that I can say that will change things for you....I continue of think of you and pray for all of you..appreciate the information that is posted online...it helps knowing how things are going... love joanie
(a hug and a pet to gromett)
I had lunch with Ben about 3 days before he left Chicago. We talked about his love of travelling and how, even though he usually started these trips alone, he never ended up travelling alone. He said the world was a friendly place for the most part, and wherever he travelled, there were always other interesting people out there whose company he'd welcome.
Hope, Bob, David, and the rest of your wonderful family...you are never far from my thoughts. I check here for updates every morning and every night. If I can be of any help, you need only call.
With love,
Alison
I would like to thank the Abels family for continuing to share the details of their search for Ben with all who know and love him. It is comforting to know that your search is leaving no stone unturned. More than anything, the love and affection motivating your every step somehow connects me to the warmth and caringness of Ben's soul.
Many blessings and my love and prayers are with you all.
I met Ben Abels in 1996 while working at A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming for about six weeks that summer. I too remember his fantastic outlook on life, his smile and his kind words for our mutual friend Maeve O'Meara. I remember Maeve telling me about her friend Ben when i starting packing for A Bar A that summer- "he's such a great guy - smart, funny, hardworking." As always, Maeve was right. I thank you all for keeping us informed through this site- i've been checking it everyday since i heard through Maeve that the site was up. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I send many get well wishes to Libby. Love, Karen Ullman
Thanks for all the time you've been spending to keep those of us who care about Ben appraised of how the search is going. Although Ben and I worked together in the software industry when he lived in Boulder, it was during this last year that Ben and I reconnected as we shared with each other the ups and downs of being in real estate (he in IL, me in Boulder). He has given so willingly his time, insight, and humor to help talk me through some challenging times, and he has been SO incredibly supportive. I feel so grateful to have laughed as hard as I have with him, enjoyed his incredible spirit, and shared our love of dogs and Central America with each other. I want his family to know how many of us are thinking of Ben in such a wonderful and positive light and that we are sending our love and light to you now.
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