DILI, 28 october 2021 (TATOLI) – The British Journalist and Filmmaker who brought the shocking pictures of the Santa Cruz massacre to the world, Christopher Wenner, better known as ‘Max Stahl died at the age of 66, today, in Brisbane, Australia, the Council of Ministers announced.
Max Stahl passed away this morning (28/10) around 4.30am Brisbane local time.
Max Stahl was born on 6 December 1954 in the United Kingdom. He was a journalist and war correspondent, who spent most of his life in Timor-Leste, following the Santa Cruz massacre, in 1991.
In 1991 Max Stahl arrived in East Timor (Timor-Leste) where he lived and documented one of the most dramatic moments of the country: the massacre in the Santa Cruz cemetery, in Dili. The images of the massacre were spread around the world and changed forever the history of the nation.
On behalf of the government, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, on Thursday, expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends the loved ones of Max Stahl.
“The Timorese people recognize and thank Max Stahl for his immense contribution to the independence of the nation. Max Stahl’s legacy and courage will live on forever in Timorese heart and will be remembered forever,” said Magalhães.
After receiving the sad news from Brisbane, Australia, the Former President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos Horta expressed his sorrow over the passing away of Max Stahl.
“The King is dead. With immense sadness I am writing to let you know that Max passed away this morning around 4.30am,” Dr. Ingrid, Max Stahl’s wife told Horta, following the death of the British journalist, Max Stahl.
“I know this is an unbearable pain, immense sadness irretrievable loss. Max Stahl’s legacy of courage and love for family and Timor-Leste lives in Mount Ramelau,” said Horta.
Horta said the Timorese people honor Max Stahl as one of the true heroes for their struggle.
Max Stahl was granted Timorese citizenship in 2009, in honor of his significant contribution to the nation’s independence.
In april 2012, it was reported that Max Stahl had been receiving treatment for throat cancer.
Previously, Horta wrote on his Facebook page, informing the public that, Max Stahl was battling pitiless cancer, surrounded by his wife, Dr. Ingrid, and his four children – Mali, Leo, Ben, and Burnaby.
Max Stahl was pronounced dead by his wife Dr. Ingrid, on thursday morning, in Brisbane Australia, following his death at 4.30 am local time.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
