Following pleas from his family for Haines’ captors to contact them, the militant group released footage appearing to show the aid worker’s shocking ‘execution’.
David’s brother Mike Haines payed tribute to his brother, writing in a statement: “David was most alive and enthusiastic in his humanitarian roles. His joy and anticipation for the work he went to do in Syria is for myself and family the most important element of this whole sad affair. He was and is loved by all his family and will be missed terribly.”
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David survives by two daughters, Bethany and Athea.
Prime Minister David Cameron responded to news of David Haines death on Twitter, writing: “The murder of David Haines is an act of pure evil. My heart goes out to his family who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude.”
US President Barack Obama said in a statement: “The United States strongly condemns the barbaric murder of UK citizen David Haines by the terrorist group IS.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Mr Haines and to the people of the United Kingdom. The United States stands shoulder to shoulder tonight with our close friend and ally in grief and resolve.
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“We will work with the United Kingdom and a broad coalition of nations from the region and around the world to bring the perpetrators of this outrageous act to justice, and to degrade and destroy this threat to the people of our countries, the region and the world.”
Following Haines’ death, his murder threatened the life of another British foreign worker who has also been kidnapped by the militant group.