Kite Surfing in Colombia, Kidnapped in Venezuela: The Lucas Hunter Story

Lucas Hunter, a 37-year-old dual American and French citizen, was enjoying the trip of a lifetime. An avid kite surfer, he set off for Colombia's northern coast in late December 2024, eager to ride the waves. Originally, his sister Sophie Hunter was supposed to join him, but after falling ill, she had to cancel. Lucas decided to go solo. But his adventure took an unexpected and terrifying turn on Jan. 7, 2025.

A Vacation Turns Into a Nightmare

While riding his rented motorbike near the Colombia-Venezuela border, Lucas unknowingly approached a checkpoint. Realizing his mistake, he tried to turn back. But it was too late. According to PEOPLE, he sent a desperate WhatsApp^® message to Sophie, claiming Venezuelan military forces "grabbed" him and took him across the border.

"I panicked," Sophie told PEOPLE. "And immediately I was very, very, very, very scared. And I thought the worst could happen to him."

Held Without a Word

At first, Lucas thought he'd be released quickly. The next day on Jan. 8, 2025, he messaged Sophie again, saying Venezuelan authorities were filing reports that confirmed he had no intention of entering the country. "I should be out soon," he said, as reported by CNN.

That was the last she heard from him.

Months passed with no word. Sophie reached out to U.S. officials, desperate for answers. The U.S. government eventually deemed Lucas as "wrongfully detained," as reported by CNN, shifting his case to the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This designation means more government resources are now being used to secure his release. But despite these efforts, there's still no confirmation of where Lucas is being held.

"It's quite tough," Sophie admitted to PEOPLE. "I want him back as soon as I can."

The Bigger Picture: Americans in Venezuelan Custody

Lucas is not alone. Venezuela has a troubling history of detaining American citizens, often using them as bargaining chips in negotiations with the United States. Currently according to the State Department, at least nine Americans are being held under questionable circumstances, as reported by CNN.

The U.S. government has negotiated prisoner swaps before. In late January 2025, Trump administration envoy Richard Grenell met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, securing the release of six Americans. However, Lucas was not among them.

Critics argue that negotiating with Maduro legitimizes a leader accused of human rights abuses. Others believe bringing home Americans should be the priority. Regardless of political views, families of detained Americans continue to push for action.

One former detainee, Gregory David Werber, recalled the desperation he and other Americans felt while imprisoned. "Are you with me, my Venezuelans?" he had shouted, according to The New York Times, during a prison riot. Hundreds of fellow inmates screamed back, "We are with you, gringo!" Their rebellion was met with force — pepper spray, beatings, and brutal retaliation.

A Cautionary Tale

Lucas Hunter's case serves as a stark warning. The U.S. government has long advised Americans against traveling to the Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnappings, and the risk of wrongful detention. Yet adventure-seekers, travelers, and even expats continue to find themselves ensnared.

Sophie believes there needs to be more awareness. According to CNN, she stated, "I think that it should be a massive campaign, especially to university students, or to people my age who might want to explore the world, and just say, do not take the risk."

For now, Sophie waits, hoping for a sign that her brother is safe. The fight to bring Lucas Hunter home continues.

References: American Kite Surfer's Dream Trip Turns into Nightmare in Venezuela, as Family Pleads for Release After Months in Captivity | This American went to Colombia to kite surf. He's been detained in Venezuela for months. | 'Welcome to Hell': Five Months in a Venezuelan Prison