Laurie was present at a large welcome-home gathering for Josh in 2018, almost two years after he was arrested in Venezuela on charges of conspiring against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Holt had traveled to the country to marry Thamara “Thamy” Caleno, whom he had met online. His wife was also jailed, accused of being an accomplice.
In my entire Senate service there’s no memory I cherish more than seeing Laurie hug her son Josh when they were finally reunited. Our hearts ache at news of her passing but Elaine and I send our prayers and our love to Jason and the Holt family tonight.