Missing Ben Ross found alive in Majorca
The 26 year old from Wigan has been found tired and drained, but alive
Trainee barrister, Ben Ross has been found alive in Majorca.
The 26 year old from Wigan arrived at the British Consulate, tired, and drained but alive.
Ben from Golbourne had been missing in the tourist hotspot Palma City since 10th July. Following a series of unfortunate events, including having his possessions stolen whilst going for a swim after applying for a European work number, Ben then lost contact with his mum Felix, who had been worried ever since.
Ben had fold his mum Felix that he had planned to go and see friends in June to take a break from the daily grind of trying to secure the next steps of his traineeship as a barrister.
After a few weeks on the island, Ben had secured a job out there in sales for a green energy company and secured a flat share too.
As part of the post-Brexit work processes, Brits now need to secure a European work number. On the 6th July, Ben set out to do just that. He made his way to the local authorities, with his identification, phone, wallet, iPad and keys to the apartment he was staying in, all kept safely in his bag. Once he had successfully followed the processes, like most tourists, he took a trip to the beach on the way back to his apartment. Whilst there, he went for a swim - when his bag was stolen.
Immediately, Ben went to the local police station to report the theft, after several hours in the station, he left and attempted to find the apartment he was staying in. After becoming lost, due to only staying on the island for a matter of weeks, he eventually found the apartment in the late hours of that day. Despite knocking, his flatmates didn’t let him in and in a distressed state, Ben broke the lock to gain entry. The following days with his flatmates were tough as tensions about the broken door developed, despite his promising to pay for the damages caused.
Ben had kept in touch with his mum, who on the 10th of July, tried to help him secure access to his online bank account, which proved difficult due to the lack of a mobile phone. He went out to arrange a new phone, but due to local policies around identification for a new sim card and phone, he failed to do so. Upon returning to the flat, Ben’s mental health had declined and the distress of what was going on caused him to cut communications with his mum.
Like most parents of young adults, Felix believed after a day or two that her son would be back in touch. She had been able to send his flatmate what money she had (25 Euros) and believed he would be back in touch once he had calmed down. Unfortunately, this did not happen. An argument about the door had broken out with the flatmate and he was told to leave or they would forcibly evict him.
Felix received a distressed email claiming to be from Ben on a new email address due to not being able to access any of his existing accounts because of two-factor authentication and no phone. The email told her what had happened and that he was not interested in what happened next to him, which has left Felix seriously concerned for her son.
On Saturday 20th July, Felix flew out to Majorca, after getting access to a passport on Friday under special circumstances rules.
She started on the ground searches and went door to door from where he was staying. She described Ben as an old soul who loves history, literature and art, so checked anywhere with historical value on the island.
Ben turned up at the British Consulate in Majorca today (Monday 22nd July). He is being treated for dehydration and exhaustion.
Felix said ”I’m so incredibly grateful for all the help and support we’ve received. Everyone has been truly incredible. We are so relieved to have found him and are now focussed on getting him back to full health and home safe and well.”
The family are requesting some privacy whilst they get Ben back to full strength and home, and they want to extend their thanks to the press, media and public for all their support in finding him.
Donations to the GoFundMe that was set up by friends will be donated to Andy’s Man Club once they arrive home over the next week.