Authorities in northern Spain are investigating the brazen theft of a statue honouring the late golf legend Severiano "Seve" Ballesteros from his hometown. The life-size bronze tribute disappeared from La Barquería Park in the small town of Pedreña over the weekend, prompting a police search and public appeal for information.
Community Shocked by Disappearance of Tribute
The Marina de Cudeyo Town Council, which governs the area, confirmed the incident on Sunday, January 20, calling it "an unfortunate event" and strongly suggesting criminal activity was involved. "Everything indicates that it was a theft," the council stated via its social media channels. Local police in the Cantabria region, near Santander, told Reuters the statue vanished sometime during the weekend and confirmed they are actively working to identify the culprits and recover the cherished monument.
Details of the Missing Memorial
The stolen statue was a significant focal point for Pedreña, serving as a permanent tribute to Ballesteros's enduring legacy. Created in 2009 by renowned sculptor Salvador García Ceballos, the artwork was permanently installed in the park in 2017. It depicted the golf champion in one of his most iconic poses: with his fist raised triumphantly, capturing the moment of his victory at the 1984 British Open at St. Andrews.
Appeal for Information and Ongoing Investigation
In an effort to gather leads, the town council urged the public on Facebook to come forward with any relevant observations. "If anyone has observed any suspicious activity, especially in the last 24 hours, please report it to the police," the post read. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities piece together the circumstances surrounding the theft of this valuable and sentimentally important piece of sporting history.
