3:11pm UK, Wednesday July 20, 2011
A British firefighter described by friends as a “top bloke who lived life to the full” has been shot dead in an apparent robbery while on holiday in Venezuela.
Thomas Ossel, 28, was shot in the jaw after four armed men burst into the hotel room he was staying in and demanded cash, police said.
His 21-year-old brother Jack was reportedly stabbed in the back with a knife when he tried to resist the robbers, but survived.
It was reported that the pair were staying in a hotel called Posada Casa Rosa on Margarita Island, off the northeastern coast of the country.
Police are still hunting for the culprits.
Tom (L) and his younger brother Jack (R) were holidaying together. Pic: MYSPACE
A friend of the family, Jacqueline Baxter, paid tribute to Tom, describing him as a “real adventurer” and “a real character”.
She said his father Ben has flown to Venezuela to join his surviving son.
Mr Ossel was from Bedfordshire but had been living in London and working as a firefighter for the London Fire Brigade, based in Chiswick.
London fire commissioner Ron Dobson said the brigade was “shocked and saddened” to learn of their colleague’s death.
Mr Dobson said: “I know he will be sorely missed by his fellow firefighters. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”
Holidaymakers on Margarita Island. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)
Friends also paid tribute to Mr Ossel on Twitter. One with the username @princessgwynn said: “Sad and shocking news…RIP Tom Ossel…u will be missed…love and thoughts go out to ur family and friends 😦 xxx”
Another, called @Venkman–Project said: “Woah. Just heard some genuinely shocking news. Old classmate shot and killed in Venezuela. RIP Tom.”
A Facebook page set up in the fireman’s honour attracted hundreds of comments from shocked friends and family who knew him.
Amy Nicholas posted how it was unfair his life was cut so short and described how so many people’s lives had been touched by his “infectious personality”.
Another friend, Mick Fenwick, wrote: “I can’t believe this news. You were a bloody legend.”
Thomas posted this picture on MYSPACE of him on Fraser Island, Australia
Mr Ossel was known for his passion of travelling and had visited many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the United States.
On his MySpace page, he wrote: “I love travelling. Have been to nearly 40 countries now… would love to make it 100 one day!”
He also described himself as a Liverpool FC fan and a keen cook and photographer.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the death of Mr Ossel.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm the death of a British National on Margarita Island in Venezuela on July 18.
“We are providing consular assistance for the family.”
On another adventure… Tom at Taman Negara Jungle, Malaysia. Pic: MYSPACE
Travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns that street crime in Venezuela is high, and that armed muggings and “express kidnappings” – opportunistic abductions to extort money from someone – are regular occurrences.
It says that resistance to robberies has resulted in people being shot dead.
In 2009, there were 54 murders per 100,000 citizens in Venezuela – one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world.
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using the number/letter grid:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z
Where:
A = 1 J = 1 S = 1
B = 2 K = 2 T = 2
C = 3 L = 3 U = 3
D = 4 M = 4 V = 4
E = 5 N = 5 W = 5
F = 6 O = 6 X = 6
G = 7 P = 7 Y = 7
H = 8 Q = 8 Z = 8
I = 9 R = 9
Thomas Ossel
286411 61153 38
his path of destiny = 38 = Take care.
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using the number/letter grid:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z
Where:
A = 1 J = 1 S = 1
B = 2 K = 2 T = 2
C = 3 L = 3 U = 3
D = 4 M = 4 V = 4
E = 5 N = 5 W = 5
F = 6 O = 6 X = 6
G = 7 P = 7 Y = 7
H = 8 Q = 8 Z = 8
I = 9 R = 9
Thomas Ossel
2 6 53
his primary challenge = TO = 26 = Popular. Taking photos. In the news.
what he had to do = TE = 25 = Adventure. Exploring. Excitement. Always on the go.
how he obtained his heart’s desire = TL = 23 = Athletic. In shape. Physically fit.
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Each letter of the first name rules 9 years of life. Ages 27 to 36 are ruled by the fourth letter of the name.
Thomas Ossel
m is the 13th letter of the alphabet
So from ages twenty-seven to thirty-six he had the number 13 going on.
13 = Death.
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find out your own numerology at:
http://www.learnthenumbers.com/
numerology behind the news 