But one day, when Priklopil had her clean his van, Natascha had her chance. When Priklopil answered a phone call, she wasted no time in making a run for it, leaving behind the vacuum cleaner she used for cleaning the vehicle running. Upon learning of Natascha’s escape, Priklopil committed suicide by throwing himself under a train. News of his death sent Natascha crying inconsolably and admitted that she sympathized with her kidnapper. Experts agree that Natascha may have developed “Stockholm Syndrome” while being held captive.
