US President Barack Obama has confirmed the death of Kayla Jean Mueller, who had been held by the self-styled Islamic State in Syria.
Ms Mueller was a humanitarian worker from Arizona and had travelled to the Turkish-Syrian border in December 2012 aiming to help Syrian refugees fleeing civil war.
The US aid worker was kidnapped in Aleppo, Syria in August 2013 after she left a Doctors Without Borders hospital.
Her family said she had been held by Islamic State militants since then.
IS claimed last week that Ms Mueller died as a result of Jordan carrying out airstrikes against the IS in Syria.
Mr Obama released a statement saying: "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."
Parents Carl and Marsha Mueller voiced their heartbreak at the death of their daughter, but said they were proud of her and the humanitarian work she did.
"We are so proud of the person Kayla was and the work that she did while she was here with us. She lived with purpose, and we will work every day to honour her legacy."
"Our hearts are breaking for our only daughter, but we will continue on in peace, dignity, and love for her."
Ms Mueller's family released a letter, which they say was written by her when she was in captivity.
In the letter written in early 2014 - which was partially redacted - Ms Muller said she was "completely unharmed" by her captors but heavy-hearted about the toll it must be taken on her family.
"Just the thought of you all sends me into a fit of tears," she wrote in the letter released by her family.
"If you could say I have 'suffered' at all throughout this whole experience it is only in knowing how much suffering I have put you all through."
She dreamt about family camping trips and imagined meeting them at the airport if she were released.
"I miss you all as if it has been a decade of forced separation."
Mr Obama praised Ms Mueller's humanitarian work at home, in the Middle East and elsewhere.
"Kayla dedicated her life to helping others in need at home and around the world. In Prescott, Arizona, she volunteered at a women's shelter and worked at an HIV/AIDS clinic."
"She worked with humanitarian organisations in India, Israel, and the Palestinian territories, compelled by her desire to serve others.
"Eventually, her path took her to Turkey, where she helped provide comfort and support to Syrian refugees forced to flee their homes during the war."
