Sem would go to Rock Werchter with a friend, says his uncle Marcus van den Boom. “He was a big music fan. Someone close to Sem ‘just’ sent a message to one of Pearl Jam’s official social media accounts. That’s how the ball started rolling.”
Vedder told in the run-up to the song daughter that Sem would have liked to be there that evening, but that he passed away unexpectedly a few days ago. ,,I want to give Sem some good memories and give our strength to those who are here. They are going to keep the memory of him alive. Hope we can be part of the processing together. This is for you, Sam. I know you’re here.”
After which the band’s song daughter played. His uncle Marcus van den Boom thinks it’s a wonderful gesture, but doesn’t want to make it bigger than it is. ,,There is still a lot to process and there are still many question marks (about his death, ed.). We cherish every support, but also ask for some restraint in the interest of the investigation.”
The 22-year-old Sem was last seen on Wednesday night at De Jans Bar on the Janskerkhof. Two hours later, a local resident found him at the Pieterskerkhof. CPR was of no avail: the young man had died.