VIBRANT, colourful, considerate and highly popular: Jan Bennett’s life was a life lived, caring for her husband Nick, but also caring enough for those around her.
Having beaten breast cancer, settled in Altinkum and left an indelible mark on the people that knew her, she, along with her husband of more than 40 years, moved on for a new life in the village of Malomir, in Yambol, Bulgaria.
It appears she quickly adjusted to life in the village and had immersed herself to the local community. It appears the couple had only settled in around May.
Even so, her links with Altinkum continued to stay strong, and was expected to return this winter.
But fate dealt a cruel hand, cutting short her chance of a new life in Bulgaria on the night of July 30 when her path crossed with what police believe is the main suspect in the case.
The criminal intent is still open to speculation, but police initially suggested a robbery gone awry, but the level of violence has shocked those in the Yambol region, as much as the expat community here in Altinkum.
An autopsy report said she had suffered a devastating blow to the head, as well as punches and kicks, from the assailant. Thereafter, it appears the violence continued.
Her body was found the next day (FRIDAY) and the police moved swiftly, gathering DNA and evidence, with all the collected information pointing a finger at Ivan Nikolov, who, himself, had only settled in the village some months previous. He was arrested Saturday and charged Monday, appearing in court on Tuesday.
Thursday saw police and prosecuting officials holding a press conference in which they reported they were confident that they had their man. Within about ten hours of the DNA sampling being gathered, forensics and cross-checks had seemingly snared Nikolov.
On the same day, miles away, Jan – and probably the full truth of what actually happened on that fateful night – was quietly being laid to rest in Malomir.
According to neighbours who knew her when she lived in Bristol, Jan would regularly visit. She had lived in Eastville since 1996, and in Clifton before that. One distraught resident said: “She [Jan] was a lovely lady and she will be missed. She had a heart of gold.”
Reports suggest Nick, who is disabled, has been left “absolutely helpless” in hospital following the death of his wife, who was believed to be his sole carer. Focus will now shift to the care and well-being of her husband.
Inevitably, the harsh light of coverage and interest of Mrs Bennett across the Bulgarian, UK and Turkish media will dim quickly as they move on to other issues.
Her chance of living peacefully looking after Nick in the paradise of her choosing has suddenly gone.
That dream may have died on that night ten days ago, but scores of people knew her. They’ll keep her memory burning bright in their thoughts. She may have gone, but she’ll never forgotten.
A memorial will be held on Sunday August 16, from 11am, at the Cemevi House, on the Hospital Road, next to the small Didim Tesco Kipa.