Dismembered Statue of Golf Legend Seve Ballesteros Discovered in Storage
A bronze statue commemorating the late Spanish golfing icon, Seve Ballesteros, which was stolen from his hometown earlier this month, has been found chopped into pieces in a storage facility in Santander. The statue, valued at approximately €30,000 (£26,000), was recovered after police investigations focused on metal trading centres, suspecting the thieves intended to sell the bronze for scrap.
Arrest Made as Investigation Continues
Authorities have arrested a 22-year-old man with a prior criminal record for copper theft in connection with the crime. Police indicated that more individuals could be involved in the theft and dismemberment of the statue. The investigation revealed that the statue was likely targeted for its bronze material, highlighting a trend in metal theft crimes.
Details of the Damage and Recovery
The 100 kg statue, which depicted Ballesteros in his celebratory pose from the 1984 British Open victory at St Andrews, was found severed at the waist. While the torso and head remained intact, the arms were broken into several fragments. It had been torn from its base in La Barqueria Park in Pedrena and dragged across grass before being cut up for easier transport.
Created in 2009 by sculptor Salvador Garcia Ceballos and permanently installed in Pedrena in 2017, the statue held immense sentimental value for local residents and golf fans worldwide. Its recovery brings some relief, though the damage has caused significant distress.
Legacy of Seve Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros, who passed away in 2011 at age 54 after battling cancer, was a beloved figure in golf, known for his five major championship wins and charismatic playing style. His ability to recover from difficult situations on the course earned him a dedicated global following. The desecration of his memorial has sparked outrage among the sporting community.
This incident underscores ongoing issues with metal theft and the protection of public artworks. Authorities are continuing their probe to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
