logo
'I found out my brother was killed from the news - my story has now helped others'

'I found out my brother was killed from the news - my story has now helped others'

Yahoo10-05-2025
Richard Monetti was aged just 20 when he was flying home to New York from London for the Christmas holidays, after studying abroad as one of 35 students from Syracuse University.
But he and everyone else on the plane never made it home.
They lost their lives in the UK's worst terror atrocity, when a bomb in the hold of their flight, Pan Am 103, exploded above the Scottish town of Lockerbie.
It killed 270 people from 21 countries, including 11 people on the ground, and this devastating event has now been dramatised in an upcoming BBC drama series, The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Kara Weipz still recalls how she and her family found out her brother Richard was among the dead - they heard it for the first time on a news report about the bombing.
As well as adding to their trauma, she says it also highlighted faults in the response system for victims' families.
"I think it was very important to make sure those lessons were learned - like families had to be notified before names could be released," she tells BBC News.
"We didn't have that luxury in 1988, when names were released before we were notified. So that's something that came out of it, and changed as a result."
As president of the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 group, a role she took on from her father Bob Monetti, she says it's crucial that relatives "know what rights they have", while stressing the group's role in "educating those who deal with victims".
Those lessons went on to improve how victims' families were treated in the aftermath of 9/11, when four planes flying over the eastern US were seized simultaneously by hijackers, killing 2,977 people.
Screenwriter Gillian Roger Park, who was born just a couple of days before the Lockerbie bombing and grew up not far from the Scottish town, is a co-writer on the series.
It dramatises the Scots-US investigation into the attack, the effect it had on victims' families and how it impacted Lockerbie's locals.
Roger Park says the families "made history", by speaking out about flaws in the system.
"After their lobbying and campaigning, a lot of the protocols introduced in the aftermath of 9/11 were based on what they campaigned for," she says.
Airlines also benefited from their experiences.
"A lot of Pan Am 103 family members trained airlines on how to deal with victims," she adds.
Kathryn Turman, played in the series by Severance actress Merritt Wever, was head of the Office for Victims of Crime, for the US Department of Justice.
Turman arranged travel for family members plus secure closed-circuit viewing in the US, for the trial of two bombing suspects in the Netherlands, in 2000. The FBI notes this was unprecedented at the time.
Weipz adds: "We have victim services in the FBI, in the Department of Justice, in the US Attorney's office. Why? Well, because of Kathryn, but also because of the Pan Am 103 families."
Turman's character poignantly says in one of the episodes: "The families should have been protected and prioritised from the start... we can't make that mistake again."
The drama also highlights that lobbying by UK and US-based family groups resulted in "key reforms, from strengthening travel warning systems and tighter baggage screening, to people-centred responses to major disasters".
For the series' lead writer Jonathan Lee, creating a factual drama 37 years later was also a way of exploring the human stories behind the horror.
A co-production with Netflix, the show shines a light on "the story of these small, but heroic acts of connective humanity, in the wake of this bomb that tried to blast things apart", he says.
For such a dark topic, it has some surprisingly uplifting moments.
We witness the strength of bonds forged between people, in the wake of the bombing.
"Collaboration between families, countries and law enforcement agencies gets us from the worst of humanity to the best of it", former lawyer Lee tells the BBC.
"We piece things together by working together."
The series is something of a jigsaw - we see the police and FBI painstakingly process thousands of fragments of evidence, in the build-up to Abdulbaset Al Megrahi being convicted over the bombing in 2001.
Two years later, Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi accepted his country's responsibility for the bombing, and paid compensation to the victims' families.
The other pieces in the TV drama's puzzle focus on the lives of the people of Lockerbie and beyond, with volunteers stepping up to help traumatised families.
Weipz recalled one scene in the drama, where her father tries to reach a financial settlement for his son's death with the Pan Am insurance panel.
"That was one of the worst days of my life... hearing your brother really had no value because he was 20 years old, and was an assistant manager at a swim club and mowed lawns...
"Watching it, you see how horrifying it was."
We also see women from Lockerbie, who made endless cakes for the investigators, washed victims' clothes before they were returned to families and showed relatives the spot where their loved ones died.
"It was important to flesh out those emotional, human stories, to bring the Scottish stories to life," says Roger Park about the volunteers.
"They did such hard work and it wasn't their jobs, they were just locals who felt a moral obligation to help.
"Those women are just like my gran, I know those types of women, and I just think we rarely centre on those kinds of domestic stories.
"And what strong stuff you'd have to be made of to do what they did. I just love that they used the tools of their domestic lives to do such heroic work."
New York-based Michelle Lipkin, whose father Frank Ciulla was killed on the flight, speaks fondly about "the women who laundered the clothes", including Ella Ramsden and Moira Shearer.
"My mother was close to Ella and Moira, and we see Moira when we go to Scotland," she says.
"There's no words to describe the gratitude we have for them, because our loved ones were murdered.
"It's the most evil of evil, and so every piece of clothing they laundered, every meal they made for the searchers - that just brought back what is possible, and the human spirit and kindness."
Weipz also speaks about the "compassion" shown by the people of Lockerbie in the hours after the bombing.
"People slept outside with the bodies too. They didn't want them to be alone. It just overwhelms me at the times when I think about it," she says.
Scottish actress Lauren Lyle plays June, the wife of Det Sgt Ed McCusker, one of the lead Scottish police officers.
She says although the investigation was a "male-heavy story because it was the 80s", she also thinks "the women just stepped right up", often behind the scenes.
Lyle spoke to the real-life Ed McCusker to research her role, and says: "About five years ago, June got cancer, and she knew she was going to die. And she said to Eddie, 'One thing I want you to do is make sure you tell this story'.
"She sounded like a really formidable woman who held the family together, and I think she represents the people of Lockerbie."
Weipz adds: "Maybe people watching this will take some of the compassion they see, and pay it forward - we need some more of that in the world these days."
The Bombing of Pan Am 103 is on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 21.00 BST on Sunday 18 May, and will be on Netflix globally at a later date
Lockerbie bombing whistleblower arrested in Libya
New documents blame Libya for Lockerbie bombing
The new Lockerbie drama provoking fierce criticism from victims' families
Lockerbie bombing: The ultimate detective story?
Judges reject Lockerbie bomber's appeal
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tower of London dig reveals Black Death-era skeletons below popular tourist site: 'Tip of the iceberg'
Tower of London dig reveals Black Death-era skeletons below popular tourist site: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Fox News

time4 hours ago

  • Fox News

Tower of London dig reveals Black Death-era skeletons below popular tourist site: 'Tip of the iceberg'

Archaeologists recently uncovered the ancient skeletons of possible Black Death victims – buried just beneath one of London's most popular tourist spots. Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the organization that manages the Tower of London, shared the news with Fox News Digital. The discoveries were made during an excavation in the spring, marking the first dig at the Tower of London in three decades. It took place ahead of a scheduled renovation of the Church of St. Peter ad Vincula, a chapel that dates back to the 15th century. "As a final resting place for many who lived or were imprisoned within the Tower's walls – including three queens and two Catholic saints – [the church] undoubtedly has a few stories to tell," HRP said. "But much of its earlier history remains unknown." It added, "Now, finds from the most significant excavation at the Tower in a generation are beginning to shed light on both the development of its chapel and some of the people connected with it." One of the most eyebrow-raising finds was a mass grave of 14th-century skeletons, which officials said were "possibly linked to the Black Death." In a separate discovery, archaeologists found even older graves in coffins – likely belonging to high-status individuals. "Three skeletons from the late 12th or early 13th century were also uncovered," the statement read. "These individuals appeared to have been buried in coffins — an unusual practice at the time, possibly indicating high-status burials." In total, the remains of 20 individuals were found during the excavation. Officials also identified a fragment of a burial shroud at the site, which HRP described as "extremely rare" since it is made of fabric. "This is just the tip of the iceberg — there is so much more to learn through further analysis about the people, as well as the buildings." "One separate burial contained two 12th- to early 13th-century pots filled with charcoal – exceptionally rare examples of medieval grave goods previously recorded only once in England," the statement added. "These finds will now undergo further scientific analysis." Alfred Hawkins, a curator of historic buildings at HRP, described the excavation as a "generational opportunity." "These excavations were essential as part of our mission to provide greater access for people to visit this important place of worship, but they have also given us an amazing opportunity to explore the site in more depth than ever before," he said. In addition to the skeletal finds, archaeologists also uncovered "tantalizing hints of the chapel's earlier incarnations," HRP said. "This marks the first major archaeological dig in this part of the Tower." Though the current chapel was built in 1520, officials found evidence of "a large-scale burning event," which points towards the destruction of an earlier structure — likely the one built by Edward I in 1287. "A compacted layer of Reigate stone unearthed during the dig may date even earlier – potentially to works by Henry III in 1240," HRP said. "Elsewhere, a large section of wall and what may be a floor surface could be remnants of Henry I's 12th-century chapel, about which very little is known." "This marks the first major archaeological dig in this part of the Tower, offering a rare opportunity to redraw the map of the medieval fortress and enhance our understanding of those who lived, worshiped, and died there." Jane Sidell, principal inspector of ancient monuments at Historic England, said the project helps gain insight into Tower residents "in a way we have never been able to do before." "But this is just the tip of the iceberg — there is so much more to learn through further analysis of the people, as well as the buildings, of one of England's most evocative historic monuments."

Live beehive project at Heslington primary school creates buzz
Live beehive project at Heslington primary school creates buzz

Yahoo

time8 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Live beehive project at Heslington primary school creates buzz

A new school project is creating a real buzz. Lord Deramore's Primary School in Heslington is one of the first schools to take part in Little Bee Keepers, a fun and hands-on programme from school meals provider Mellors. The programme introduces live beehives to school grounds and aims to teach children about sustainability, biodiversity, and bees' role in the food system. Mellors team members Sarah, Nikki, and Emma helped Little Bee Keepers to take flight; and the scheme is supported by York's Minster Lions, who - acting on their core belief, "community is what we make it" - helped fund the hive and bees. Helen Smith, Year 6 teacher, said: "Our school grounds are extensive and we have been improving them during the past few years to include a hedgehog sanctuary, orchard, and allotment area. "A beehive, we feel, is the next logical project to continue our environmental work." More information is available at

Parents delight as brand new early years centre finally opens its doors
Parents delight as brand new early years centre finally opens its doors

Yahoo

time8 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Parents delight as brand new early years centre finally opens its doors

Parents have expressed their delight in how play group sessions have improved the lives of their children with special needs and disabilities as the service is expanding. The Penhill Nursery at the Everleigh Centre has been turned into an early years centre by Swindon Borough Council – and in May it started running Play and Stay sessions for small groups of pre-school children who need additional help and support. As well as the eight youngsters per two-hour session, their parents and any siblings are also welcome to come and take part. Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 The SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) facilities include a large main room filled with colourful play equipment, an enclosed outdoor space and sensory and light rooms. When the Local Democracy Reporter visited, the children were all busily engaged in their play and learning tasks, some sitting quietly, with a staff member nearby, and available, but not interacting, while others ran about laughing, playing games like peek-a-boo with their parent or a staff members. The SEND co-ordinator at the early years service, Karen Foye said: 'These sessions are very child-led. We always support the children, but many of them have difficulties interaction with others – so we try and get into their world. Recommended Reading Opening date for much-needed Health Hydro leisure centre confirmed New play park with zip line and larger recreation ground set for central Swindon Map shows where 26,000 houses could be built in Swindon "We might sit with them and they can carry on with what they are doing, but we will interact with them when they invite it. 'As things progress, we will have a specific and individual plan for each child to help their development.' Tiffany Lappage, 30, who lives in Wroughton brings her three-year-old son Tommy, who has autism, and his one-year-old sister Delilah once a week. She said: 'Tommy likes coming now he's familiar with it, as we're driving her he recognises it and starts waving his arms in excitement. 'He really likes the sensory and the light rooms – that helps him regulate his feelings much better and we're having a light room put in at home, because it works so well, "It's also good that Delilah can play here as well with him when he's happy and having his needs met.' Sitting at a table while her four-year-old son Freddy played with colours and shapes Celia Dearaujo, 42, from Rodbourne said: 'Freddy benefits from interacting with the other children and the other adults here. 'He gets to explore the world a bit more here, and then at home, he's able to explore a but more. He's always happy to come here and he likes the lights and sounds and textures he can work with and we are seeing benefits at home.' The centre is gradually expanding its services and later in the year the four play and stay sessions will grow to eight across the week.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store