Mum of latest missing Brit Ben Ross says Jay Slater tragedy has her ‘fearing the worst’ after son vanishes in Majorca
THE mum of missing Brit Ben Ross is “petrified” after her son vanished on a Spanish island – just days following the Jay Slater tragedy.
Ben, 26, has not been seen or heard from since July 10 when he disappeared in Palma, the capital of holiday hotspot Majorca.
The budding barrister moved out of Greater Manchester for a stint in Majorca in June to catch a break from the pressures of law studies.
But the Golborne lad soon suffered a sequence of unfortunate events, including having his phone and wallet robbed at the beach and falling out with flatmates.
In an email to his mum Felix, he said he was struggling with his mental health as life in paradise turned to plight – and he hasn’t been heard from since.
Felix, who is without a passport, is now racing against the clock to gain emergency travel papers on compassionate grounds so that she can fly to the island to search herself.
Felix told The Sun she was “absolutely devastated” with her mind spinning over her beloved son’s whereabouts.
She said: “I just don’t know what could’ve happened to him.
“Best case scenario, he’s sleeping on a beach or on a bench, and he’s been able to get some food or some water somewhere.
“But worst case scenario is he’s walking around the heat with no water.
Alluding to the Jay Slater tragedy, she added: “What if he has an accident? What if he falls?
“I just don’t want my brain to go there, because you start overthinking. I don’t know which way to think.”
Felix she was left “petrified” by the news of Jay’s body being found in mountainous terrain in Tenerife.
She said: “It makes you realise how real this is.
“When you’re panicking about your son you think, ‘No, it’ll be OK. And then all of a sudden it hits home and think it might not be OK.”
Ben has struggled with mental health in recent years, with the sequence of events where he had his belongings stolen on the beach possibly sparking behaviour where he wants to be left alone, Felix said.
But his disappearance is “not my normal Ben”, the mum added.
CALLS FOR SEARCH FALL ON DEAF EARS
The devastated mum slammed local cops, accusing them of not taking her concerns seriously.
Felix says she filed two missing persons reports, as well as a complaint, but they were all closed.
She has praised the British consulate for their help but they have told the family they cannot take action until Interpol are involved.
For Interpol to be called on, the local cops need to commence an investigation – meaning the search is at a standstill until they do.
Felix says Palma cops are under the impression that Ben’s case isn’t a police issue because he is an adult seeking time alone on the island.
Felix said: “It’s just outrageous.
“I’m actually going to go to a local police station and walk in. I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do.”
Palma police headquarters have been contacted for comment.
Once she gets her passport, Felix plans on rushing down to Palma to head into a local police station to file a report in person, before meeting with the British consulate.
MUM PLEADS FOR BRIT TOURISTS TO KEEP EYES OPEN
Felix has implored Brits on holiday in Majorca to keep an eye out – she says Ben will likely appear tired and dishevelled with an unshaven face.
Felix said Ben isn’t aligned to any specific religion but is a spiritual lad who takes in inspiration from churches and libraries, so could be around such landmarks.
She said: “He’s a historian, he loves books, he likes museums and churches.
“So I’m going to go to all the points of interest where I think he might go for a roof over his head or drink of water.
“He hasn’t got any money so he can’t even get a hostel, but I’m just going to go to all the hostels.
“Somebody’s reached out already who lives in Majorca and they speak Spanish, so they’re going to spend a bit of time going door-to-door tonight.”
