Ferdi Elsas, the man who kidnapped and murdered the Ahold top man Gerrit Jan Heijne in 1987, died in a road accident on Monday. The Heijne family founded the Albert Heijn stores which are part of the Ahold supermarket chains.

Elsas (66) was hit by a digger while on his bicycle in Gelderland and died shortly after being taken to hospital.
The story has been given extensive coverage by the Dutch press. Most papers identify Elsas only as Ferdi E but the Telegraaf publishes his full identity.
Elsas seized Heijne from his home in Bloemendaal in September 1987. Although he shot him dead shortly afterwards, Elsas went on to demand a ransom from his family, convincing them he was still alive for seven months.
It was not until Elsas was arrested in April 1988 that it emerged that Heijne had been killed.
Elsas was sentenced to 20 years in prison and compulsory psychiatric treatment but was released in 2001.
The widow of Heijn talked to Elsas several times and said she had forgiven him. According to Tuesday’s Volkskrant, Heijne’s family has sent its condolences to the family of Elsas.