Ben Linder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Linder
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Linder with Nicaraguan children
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| Born | July 7, 1959 |
| Died | April 28, 1987 (aged 27) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Known for | Electrification work in rural Nicaragua, murdered while working on a hydroelectric facility near El Cuá |
Benjamin Ernest Linder (born July 7, 1959 – died April 28, 1987) was an American engineer. He was working on a small hydroelectric dam in a rural area of northern Nicaragua. Sadly, Linder was killed by the Contras, who were rebel groups supported by the U.S. government.
His death happened when U.S. support for the Contras was already a big debate. Linder's death became major news around the world. It also caused strong disagreements in the United States.
Contents
Ben Linder's Story
Early Life and Education
Ben Linder was born in California. He grew up in a non-religious Jewish family. First, he lived in San Francisco and later in Portland, Oregon. He finished high school at Adams High School in Portland in 1977.
While studying at the University of Washington, Ben loved juggling. People often saw him riding a very tall unicycle (about 5 to 6 feet high) around Seattle. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1983. That summer, he left his home in Oregon and moved to Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua.
Why Ben Went to Nicaragua
Ben Linder was inspired by the 1979 Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua. This revolution aimed to make life better for the country's poorest people. Ben wanted to help with these efforts.
However, the Reagan administration in the U.S. wanted to stop the revolution. Starting in 1981, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) secretly trained, armed, and supplied thousands of Contra rebels. A main part of the Contras' plan was to attack government projects. These included health clinics and power stations. These projects showed the improvements brought by the revolution.
Helping Communities with Electricity
In 1986, Ben Linder moved from Managua to El Cuá. This was a village in a war zone in Nicaragua. There, he helped create a team to build a hydroelectric plant. This plant would bring electricity to the town.
While living in El Cuá, Ben also helped with vaccination campaigns. He used his skills as a clown, juggler, and unicyclist to entertain the local children. He cared deeply for them.
His Tragic Death
On April 28, 1987, Ben Linder and two Nicaraguan friends were killed. They were caught in an ambush by the Contras. They were traveling through the forest to find a good spot for a new dam. This dam was for the nearby village of San José de Bocay.
Ben Linder and the two Nicaraguans, Sergio Hernández and Pablo Rosales, were shot at close range. After his death, Ben Linder was given the Courage of Conscience award on September 26, 1992.
See also
- Witness for Peace
- Bill Stewart, an ABC reporter killed in Managua in 1979.
- Brian Willson, an American injured while protesting U.S. arms shipments to Central America.
