An American woman held by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has died, the White House and the captive’s parents confirmed on Tuesday.
“It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of Kayla Jean Mueller,” President Obama said. “On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I convey our deepest condolences to Kayla’s family – her parents, Marsha and Carl, and her brother Eric and his family – and all of those who loved Kayla dearly. At this time of unimaginable suffering, the country shares in their grief.”
Last week, the Islamic State said the 26-year-old Arizonan had died during a Jordanian airstrike, launched as retribution for pilot 1st Lt. Moaz al-Kasasbeh being burned alive by the terrorist group.
Mueller’s parents also announced Tuesday that they had been notified of her death.
She was the only known remaining U.S. hostage held by the Islamic State.
Obama has vowed to “redouble” efforts to combat the Islamic State in the wake of a string of recent killings of hostages by the terrorist group.
Mueller “has been taken from us, but her legacy endures, inspiring all those who fight, each in their own way, for what is just and what is decent. No matter how long it takes, the United States will find and bring to justice the terrorists who are responsible for Kayla’s captivity and death,” Obama vowed.
“On this day, we take comfort in the fact that the future belongs not to those who destroy,” he added, “but rather to the irrepressible force of human goodness that Kayla Mueller shall forever represent.”
