Kayla Mueller
Photo: AFP, MUELLER FAMILY
Obama confirms death of US hostage held by ISIS
American president promises US will bring terrorists responsible for Kayla Mueller's captivity to justice, says aid worker epitomized spirit of compassion and dedication.
President Barack Obama confirmed Tuesday that American hostage Kayla Mueller, held by the Islamic State group, was dead. He warned that the US will "find and bring to justice the terrorists who are responsible for Kayla's captivity and death."
The American president called ISIS "a hateful and abhorrent terrorist group whose actions stand in stark contrast to the spirit of people like Kayla."
Family photo of Kayla (Photo: AFP / Mueller family)
In a statement extolling Mueller's virtues, Obama said "Kayla’s compassion and dedication to assisting those in need shows us that even amongst unconscionable evil, the essential decency of humanity can live on."
Carl and Marsha Mueller, the parents of Kayla Jean Mueller, released a statement on Tuesday saying they have been told that she has died.
US President Barack Obama (Photo: AFP)
The family said they were "heartbroken" over the death and released a letter from their daughter which was written in 2014 during her captivity.
The White House said Mueller's family had received a private message the ISIS over the weekend with "additional information" which led to the conclusion that she was dead.
American hostage Kayla Mueller (Photo: EPA)
In his statement, Obama emphasized that "On this day, we take comfort in the fact that the future belongs not to those who destroy, but rather to the irrepressible force of human goodness that Kayla Mueller shall forever represent."
Outgoing US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel also sent his condolences to Kayla's family.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
