White House confirms death of humanitarian Kayla Jean Mueller

Kayla Jean Mueller

The White House this morning confirmed the death of NAU alumna Kayla Jean Mueller.

“The Northern Arizona University family is deeply saddened by the loss of alumna Kayla Jean Mueller,” said NAU President Rita Cheng. “This is absolutely heartbreaking and our thoughts are with her family and friends. Kayla was actively engaged in serving others even in her time as an undergraduate at NAU, and her faith fueled her desire to work with Syrian refugees. It is a great loss to all those whose lives she touched and the many she was certain to help in the future.”

As President Barack Obama said, “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.”

Details on university events to honor Kayla will be announced soon. The Mueller family has requested donations be made to causes Kayla would have supported.