Dad's touching tribute to son

9:15am Thursday 8th November 2001

THE father of backpacker Jeremy Parks, who was killed in Colombia, has spoken to the News Shopper about the son he has lost.

Remembering an adventurous, spirited, 28-year-old with a love of travelling, Reg Parks says the family is devastated by his death.

Jeremy was shot after being taken hostage by guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (ELN) in the Choco region of Colombia.

He was travelling on an overnight bus from Quibdo to Medillin, north west of the capital Bogota, when it was stopped by the rebel group at about 4am.

It seems the ELN were ambushed by the Colombian army hours later and Jeremy was caught in the cross-fire.

Mr Parks said: “We still don't know why he was going back to Medillin. The last I heard he was on his way to a nature reserve on the west coast, which is exactly the sort of thing he would've been interested in.

“He knew the area very well and had really done his homework. He definitely wouldn't have put himself in danger.”

One of the last postcards Jeremy sent was from Cartagena. It read: “Very strange but no signs of trouble. Quite an amazing experience.”

From his cards and e-mails, Jeremy was clearly having the time of his life. He was learning Spanish and friends say his grasp of the language was very good.

His father said he had no interest in being a tourist and preferred to experience the country first-hand.

Mr Parks, who has just returned from Colombia with Jeremy's body, added: “He was full of energy and always enjoyed himself. He probably experienced more in his short life than most.

“I just want to lay him to rest and then we can get on with celebrating his life.

“Everyone has been fantastic and extremely supportive. I travelled out to Bogota with Jeremy's oldest friend Reuben Garratt, who was an absolute tower of strength.”

It is hoped an inquest into the cause of Jeremy's death will be held on Friday and then a funeral and memorial service will be held.

The family has asked for donations to go to the Voluntary Services Overseas charity, which was very close to Jeremy's heart.

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