This undated photo provided by the Kassig Family shows Peter Kassig delivering supplies for Syrian refugees. A new graphic video purportedly produced by Islamic State militants in Syria released on Nov. 16, 2014, claims U.S. aid worker Kassig was beheaded.INDIANAPOLIS – The parents of an American aid worker slain by Islamic State militants say they are “heartbroken” by his death but “incredibly proud” of his humanitarian work.
Ed and Paula Kassig of Indianapolis said Sunday in a statement that 26-year-old Peter Kassig “lost his life as a result of his love for the Syrian people and his desire to ease their suffering.”
Kassig was captured last year while delivering relief supplies to refugees of Syria’s civil war. The Indianapolis man converted to Islam while in captivity and took the first name Abdul-Rahman.
The Kassigs say they are “incredibly proud of our son for living his life according to his humanitarian calling.”
The White House confirmed Kassig’s death Sunday after Islamic State militants released a video showing Kassig had been beheaded.