Kayla Mueller's Family Said ISIS Hostage Is Dead

ISIS' claim last week that Jordanian airstrikes on the terrorist group killed their last known American hostage, a female aid worker, was met with some degree of skepticism, but on Tuesday, the family of Kayla Mueller, the hostage, confirmed her death. Her parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller, released a statement that read:

We are heartbroken to share that we've received confirmation that Kayla Jean Mueller, has lost her life.

Kayla was a compassionate and devoted humanitarian. She dedicated the whole of her young life to helping those in need of freedom, justice, and peace... Our hearts are breaking for our only daughter, but we will continue on in peace, dignity, and love for her.

The White House also issued a statement confirming Mueller's death. President Obama said in a statement:

At this time of unimaginable suffering, the country shares in their grief.

ISIS said last week that a Jordanian airstrike destroyed the building where Mueller was held captive, killing her, but Jordan dismissed the allegation as a publicity stunt. Several discrepancies in the message claiming her death also raised questions of its authenticity, and neither Mueller's family nor the White House had received confirmation of her death — until now.