Family says negotiators have proof that hostages are alive

(Tulsa-AP) -- The mother of a man being held hostage in Ecuador says negotiators have proof that the seven oil field workers are still alive. <br><br>Jimmie Gimmeson says she gave negotiators questions

Friday, February 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- The mother of a man being held hostage in Ecuador says negotiators have proof that the seven oil field workers are still alive.

Jimmie Gimmeson says she gave negotiators questions that only her son could answer, and has been told all the questions were answered correctly.

Gimmeson's son is David Bradley of Wyoming, who is an employee of Tulsa-based Helmerich and Payne.

Police in Ecuador say a 13 (m) million dollar ransom will be paid when negotiators receive ``proof of life.'' Gimmeson says all seven hostages were proven to be alive and could be released in about one month.

The body of another Helmerich and Payne employee who was taken hostage was found in a jungle last month. Ronald Sander had been shot five times in the back.