Natalee Ann Holloway disappeared during a May 2005 trip to Aruba with 124 friends celebrating their High School graduation.

Natalee alegedly left a night-club at 1:30 am on May 30 with Joran van der Sloot and two other men – the three are believed to be the last to see her alive.

Scheduled for a flight later that day, friends and chaperones were concerned when Natalee did not return to her room at Holiday Inn to pack for the trip home.

van der Sloot and the two other men were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and murder on June 9, 2005. However the investigation and evidence discovery have been elusive. Perhaps because van der Sloot, considered the main suspect in Natalee’s death, had a well connected, protective father.

Joran’s father, Paul van der Sloot, was a well-know, well-respected lawyer on Aruba who was training as a judge at the time of Natalee’s disappearance. Many, including Natalee’s mother Beth Holloway, believe the investigation was compromised because of the elder van der Sloot’s role in Aruba’s elite judicial society.

The tides may be changing.

Paul van der Sloot, 57, collapsed while playing tennis last night and was pronounced dead after arriving by ambulance at a local hospital.

While we would never celebrate his death, the passing of Paul van der Sloot raises new questions about the state of Joran’s perceived “protected status.”

His death brings renewed hope that the truth of what happened to young Natalee nearly five year ago will finally see the light of day.

Crime reporter Peter R. de Vries told Radio Netherlands Worldwide, “It’s always sad if a relatively young person suddenly dies. It’s also a painful loss for the investigation into the Holloway case. I am convinced that Mr Van der Sloot knew more than he had told us. He may have helped his son cover up parts of the truth.”

Our prayers are with all who love Natalee Holloway & Paul van der Sloot.