Missing Dutch Priest Is Found Dead in Lebanon
The body of a Dutch priest who was missing for nearly three weeks and presumed kidnaped was found at the bottom of a ravine today in the Bekaa Valley of eastern Lebanon, where he was last seen, a Christian-controlled radio station said.
The Rev. Nicolas Kluiters disappeared March 14 and there were reports that a kidnap note was found in his car.
The Voice of Lebanon quoted its Bekaa correspondent as saying that a shepherd came upon the body of the Roman Catholic priest in mid-afternoon and notified authorities at nearby Baalbek.
The radio said Kluiters, 44, who had worked in Lebanon for 20 years and spoke fluent Arabic, was well known in the area.
State television also reported Kluiters’ death, but gave no details. The Dutch Embassy said it had no information that his body had been found.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
