A British humanitarian worker lost his life in Africa following a robbery attempt by two individuals trying to steal his mobile device. Jeff Cantwell, aged 79, resided in Brusubi on The Gambia’s western coastline since 2012. On the evening of November 23, he ventured out of his residence to meet friends at a local eatery when he was accosted by the assailants, according to his family.
Concern arose among his companions when Jeff, originally from Oldham in Greater Manchester, failed to show up and was unreachable by phone. They rushed to his home and discovered him injured but alive. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries upon reaching the hospital, as relayed by Jeff’s relatives.
The news of his passing was conveyed to his family by a close friend. Jeff had been actively involved in various charitable endeavors, such as securing sponsorships for school uniforms and coordinating medical aid deliveries to remote hospitals.
Having just returned to The Gambia in early October from a six-month visit to the UK to reunite with his family in Hollinwood, Oldham, Jeff’s sudden demise shocked his daughter Janine Cantwell. She shared, “Yesterday we received word from one of my dad’s acquaintances in Gambia about his passing.”
Janine expressed dismay over the attack, narrating how her father had left his residence in the evening and was ambushed by two individuals outside his compound, resulting in his tragic demise. The family is grappling with the lack of information surrounding the incident and the ongoing investigation by Gambian authorities.
Meanwhile, Danielle Egerton initiated a GoFundMe initiative to assist Janine in covering the expenses for repatriating Jeff’s remains to the UK. The family, comprising Jeff’s other sons, Mark and Andy, along with three grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, aims to raise funds for Janine’s journey to Gambia to bring her father home.
Danielle highlighted the financial strain due to the morgue costs while emphasizing the profound grief felt by Jeff’s loved ones. The family remains eager to uncover the circumstances surrounding Jeff’s untimely death and are preparing for Janine’s forthcoming trip to The Gambia.
Janine’s proactive steps include liaising with Gambian law enforcement, who have launched an inquiry into the incident. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has been contacted for support, with an FCDO spokesperson affirming their assistance to the bereaved family.
For those interested in contributing to Jeff’s funeral arrangements, the GoFundMe campaign link is provided.