Grandfather of Sheffield's missing Ben Needham dies without answers to grandson's disappearance
His family said they are “heartbroken” he died before finding an answer to the mystery
The grandfather of missing Sheffield toddler Ben Needham has died without ever discovering what happened to his beloved grandson.
Ben Needham was only 21 months old when he vanished on the Greek island of Kos in July 24, 1991.
Ben’s mother, Kerry, who has fought for answers after last seeing her son 35 years ago, has now confirmed her father, Eddie, died last week.
Eddie was on Kos on the day of Ben’s disappearance. The grandad, who died aged 77, was renovating a remote farmhouse on the island when the toddler went missing from outside.
The family had moved to the island earlier in 1991 for a new life.
In the years after Ben went missing, Eddie self-financed trips abroad to follow up on sightings, and never gave up the search or the hope that Ben would be found.
His family said they are “heartbroken” he died before finding an answer to the mystery.
In an interview with ITV News Calendar, Kerry said that Ben's disappearance had "tormented him".
She said: "The guilt never went away and it crippled him. I have tried to convince him it wasn't his fault and don't blame him or my mum but there was nothing I could say to take that guilt away.”
On the Facebook page dedicated to the search for Ben, Kerry said: "As a family, we are completely devastated by his loss. He lived for the day we would finally have answers about what happened to Ben, and although that day never came for him, his love for his grandson never faded. He carried Ben in his heart every single day.
"At this incredibly difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with the loss of a much-loved father, grandfather, and family man.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported our family over the years. Your kindness and compassion have meant more than words can ever express."
A documentary on Ben’s disappearance will premiere on Disney and Hulu “around July 30,” the family says.
On the 35th anniversary on July 24, Kerry wrote on an official Facebook page: “Today marks 35 agonising years since my beautiful son, Ben, vanished on the island of Kos. Thirty-five years of heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a relentless search for the truth.
“I’ve been back to Kos recently ahead of the upcoming documentary release, and while it is always deeply emotional, my purpose remains as clear as it was on July 24, 1991 - to fight for my son and never give up.
“Our fight continues to receive vital momentum and support, I have recently held meetings with the Minister for Europe to ensure that Ben’s case remains a priority at the highest diplomatic levels between the UK and Greece.
“To support our ongoing search costs, private investigation work, and legal efforts, please consider donating to or sharing our official GoFundMe campaign.”