A Dutch pensioner ended his life by euthanasia after failing to overcome the trauma he suffered in a brutal robbery at his home late last year, it has emerged.
Jan Beulenkamp, 77, suffered brain damage and a host of other horrific injuries when he was violently attacked as he lay in bed at his home in Liendenhof, Amsterdam-Zuidoost, in November.
Shocking images after the assault showed the elderly Dutch man sporting horrendous bruises and lacerations to his face, neck and chest as he lay in a hospital bed.
The loving grandfather, supported by his wife, children and a host of doctors and therapists, attempted rehabilitation, but his quality of life plummeted as he struggled with speech problems, partial paralysis and mental trauma.
Three months after the horrific attack, Mr Beulenkamp opted to die by euthanasia, having received permission from the Dutch authorities to end his life.
Meanwhile, her attacker remains at large, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office has offered a reward of 10,000 euros for any information leading to his arrest.
Jan Beulenkamp, 77, suffered brain damage and a host of other horrific injuries when he was violently attacked (pictured with his grandchildren)
The retiree, supported by his wife, children and a host of doctors and therapists, attempted to rehabilitate himself, but his quality of life plummeted as he struggled with speech problems, partial paralysis and mental trauma.
Shocking footage after the assault showed the elderly Dutch man sitting bloodied and confused as he waited for police.
Three months after the horrific attack, Mr Beulenkamp (pictured with his grandchildren) opted to die by euthanasia, after being granted permission by Dutch authorities to end his life.
The intruder, a dark-skinned, Dutch-speaking man in his 20s or 30s as described by the victims, rang the doorbell of the Beulenkamp home at around 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 26.
Mrs. Beulenkamp opened the door expecting to meet a neighbor, but was intercepted by the robber, who immediately threatened her with a firearm and demanded money.
When she did not comply, he forced his way into the house and ransacked every room before destroying it.I went upstairs and found Mr. Beulenkamp still asleep in bed.
The attacker repeatedly hit the pensioner with the butt of his gun, causing serious injuries, before assaulting Mrs Beulenkamp and fleeing the scene with the stolen jewellery.
Mr Beulenkamp was treated in hospital for serious injuries to his legs, head and face after the attack.
He initially showed positive signs of recovery, surprising hospital staff with his ability to communicate and walk just days after the heinous attack.
But his condition deteriorated rapidly and in the following weeks the pensioner suffered speech problems, coordination problems and partial paralysis.
His son and daughter shared their grief over their father’s rapid decline on the Dutch TV show Opsporing Verzocht – in English ‘Requested Investigation’ – which sheds light on crimes committed in the Netherlands.
“He deteriorated and then realized he might not be okay yet,” his son said. “His speech and coordination were affected, but he was also paralyzed on one side.”
Her daughter added: “It was heartbreaking to see that she could no longer express herself and make things clear. Our joy in life was destroyed.”
In January 2024, Mr Beulenkamp decided to undergo euthanasia, a decision supported by his family.
People who die by euthanasia are usually given a barbiturate solution that stops their hearts, although Beulenkamp’s method of death has not been shared.
The Netherlands has one of the most progressive euthanasia laws in the world and has seen two high-profile cases in the past two months alone.
Under Dutch law, euthanasia is legal if it is performed by a doctor under strict conditions and if the patient’s suffering is considered unbearable and without prospects of improvement.
Jan Faber and Els van Leeningen were married for almost five decades before they took their own lives at the same time in early June. The couple is pictured just days before their deaths
Zoraya ter Beek (pictured), who suffered from depression and borderline personality disorder, decided she wanted to die after struggling with mental health issues for more than a decade because treatment had not helped her.
Beek is shown here in 2017 wearing his do not resuscitate badge, something typically worn by elderly people with a terminal illness.
In early June, a devoted couple who spent their lives together after meeting as children decided to die together by euthanasia.
Jan Faber and Els van Leeningen, aged 70 and 71, were married for nearly five decades before ending their lives by lethal injection at the same time.
Jan, who worked as a cargo ship operator, had suffered from severe back pain for more than 20 years, while his wife was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, which became so debilitating she struggled to form sentences.
In the moments before their deaths, the couple were surrounded by friends and family, including their son, who found it difficult to accept his parents’ decision to end their lives.
“You don’t want to let your parents die, that’s why there were tears,” Jan said of her son’s reaction.
“Our son said, ‘Better times will come, there will be better weather,’ but not for me.” Els said before his planned death:
‘There is no other solution.’
In May, a physically healthy Dutch woman died by euthanasia shortly after her 29th birthday because she did not want to live with depression and anxiety.
Zoraya the Beek, who also suffered trauma and borderline personality disorder, She decided she wanted to die after struggling with mental health issues for more than a decade, although she claimed no treatment had helped her.
He died “a dignified death, which he had longed for for years due to unbearable psychological suffering,” according to an obituary published by the Dutch newspaper. General information sheet.
Beulenkamp’s son and daughter shared their grief over their father’s rapid deterioration on the Dutch television show Opsporing Verzocht (English: “Investigation Requested”), which sheds light on crimes in the Netherlands.
Beek’s case received worldwide attention and sparked debate over assisted dying.
Many supporters of euthanasia say it should only be available to terminally ill people who face an imminent, painful and undignified death.
Others, like Beek, insist that comfortable, peaceful suicide should be an option available to people suffering from insurmountable mental anguish.
Following Mr Beulenkamp’s death in January, police have stepped up their efforts to solve the case.
A reward of 10,000 euros is offered for any information leading to the capture of the perpetrator.
“We do not rule out the possibility that the perpetrator was from the neighbourhood or knew the place well, as there is no escape route for any vehicle and the street is a dead end,” said a police spokesman.
A text message has been sent to potential witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the robbery in an attempt to generate further leads.
