Buchanan’s sister rescued from captivity

For senior international business major Stephen Buchanan, Tuesday night brought very exciting news.

Buchanan received a call from his father, John Buchanan, at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, saying that Stephen’s sister, Jessica, had been rescued from her three-month captivity in Somalia, and was on her way home.

“As bad as a feeling as it was to hear that she had been taken…it was even better that they had gone in and rescued her– that we would get to see her soon,” Buchanan said.

The family received a call from President Barack Obama immediately following the State of the Union address saying that a special forces group had rescued Jessica.

One of the reasons for the rescue was Jessica’s “deteriorating health,” an article from the Washington Post said.

Jessica Buchanan and her Danish co-worker were kidnapped by Somali pirates on Oct. 25, 2011, according to a report by ABC News.

Buchanan and his family are currently traveling to Europe to see Jessica. Buchanan said he is delighted that this time in his family’s life is over and is thankful for all the support he has received from the Lee community.

“The way that Lee has treated me throughout this has been inspiring,” Buchanan said. “Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and support.”