WILLEMSTAD, TENERIFE – The Curaçao business community is mourning the tragic death of Dutch registered accountant Rolf Verdaasdonk, who was fatally stabbed by his 34-year-old son on Wednesday evening on the Spanish island of Tenerife. Spanish media report that Verdaasdonk died on the spot from his injuries after a confrontation with his mentally unstable son, who had previously been reported missing.
Verdaasdonk had been living and working on Curaçao since 2008 and resided in Blue Bay. He was affiliated with VAAS Accountants and frequently worked with Curaçao’s Ministry of Finance as a consultant. Known as a respected professional in the financial sector, his sudden and violent death has shocked both colleagues and clients.
According to reports, Verdaasdonk had traveled to Tenerife in search of his missing son. When the two met, the situation escalated and the son attacked him with a knife. The Spanish police later arrested the suspect in the nearby tourist area of San Blas in San Miguel de Abona. The crime scene was cordoned off to secure forensic evidence, including the murder weapon.
Authorities in Spain are treating the case as a homicide. The son is expected to appear before an examining magistrate within days to determine whether he will be held in pre-trial detention.
In a press statement issued on behalf of Verdaasdonk’s widow and daughter, the family expressed their deep sorrow and called for privacy:
“We mourn the loss of a loving, caring, and devoted husband and father, who was always unconditionally present for every member of his family. His loss is indescribable.
We urge the media and social media users to stop sharing and displaying images of his violent death, as well as multiple videos making unsubstantiated allegations. The circulation of these images causes us, as grieving family members, additional pain, sorrow, and distress.
We ask for respect for our grief and privacy during this extremely difficult time. We hope for your understanding.”
The investigation is ongoing. Spanish authorities continue to gather evidence to determine the full circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
