Kayla Mueller: Family of US aid worker held by Isis release her last letter

Barack Obama said that 26-year-old Ms Mueller "epitomised all that is good in our world"

(Family, release)

The family of the US aid worker killed while being held captive by Isis have released what is believed to be the last letter she wrote to them.

Kayla Mueller's family also have asked that in lieu of flowers and in tribute to her humanitarian work, people donate to causes that "Kayla would have supported".

It is believed that Ms Mueller, 26, was killed in a Jordanian airstrike while being held hostage by Isis militants.

The White House has confirmed that it received a message from the militants, who are also known as the Islamic State, over the weekend and that the information has been verified.

Carl and Marsha Mueller paid tribute to their daughter, writing in a statement: “Our hearts are breaking for our daughter, but we will continue on in peace, dignity, and love for her.”

Describing Ms Mueller as a “compassionate and devoted humanitarian,” her parents wrote how she “drawn to help those displaced by the Syrian civil war.”

Ms Mueller with her father Carl

“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 honor her legacy,” they added.

US president Barack Obama said that Ms Mueller "epitomised all that is good in our world," and promised to “bring to justice the terrorists who are responsible for Kayla's captivity and death.”

Ms Mueller as a baby

Alongside the statement, the family also released a handwritten letter from Ms Mueller which appears to have been written while she was held hostage by the Islamic extremists.

Ms Mueller with her family

In the letter Ms Mueller says she has been treated well and adds: “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; I will never ask you to forgive me as I do not deserve forgiveness.”

“I miss you all as if it has been a decade of forced separation,” she tells her family in the letter.

The hand-written letter from Ms Mueller (Reuters)

“None of us could have known it would be this long but know I am also fighting from my side in the ways I am able + I have a lot of fight left inside of me.

“I am not breaking down + I will not give in no matter how long it takes.”

The note ends by Ms Mueller writing, “I know you would want me to remain strong,” before adding: “Do not fear for me, continue to pray as will I + by God’s will we will be together soon.

“All my everything,

“Kayla”.

Ms Mueller was the last known US hostage held by the Isis militants and details surrounding the circumstances of her death have not been released.