Statement from the family of David Haines, beheaded by Islamic State

Editor’s note: The following statement was released by the United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office on behalf of the family of David Haines. On Saturday, the Islamic State released a video reportedly showing the execution of the British hostage.

My name is Mike Haines, I am brother to David Haines, who was recently murdered in cold blood.

David was like so very many of us, just another bloke. Born in 1970 to parents who loved us both, our childhood was centered around our family.

Holidays in caravans and tents, days away as a family which we remember fondly. David and I were brought up to know right from wrong, although we might not with the innocence of youth have always chosen right.

David was a good brother, there when I needed him and absent when I didn’t. I hope that he felt the same way about me.

He was, in the right mood, the life and soul of the party and on other times the most stubborn irritating pain in the ass. He would probably say the same about me.

After leaving school he worked with the Royal Mail before joining the RAF as an aircraft engineer. He married his childhood sweetheart Louise and in the due process of time had a wee lass Bethany.

He was - and no doubt wherever he is - exceptionally proud of Bethany.

David served with the UN in the Balkans, helping people in real need. There are many accolades from people in that region that David helped. He helped whoever needed help, regardless of race, creed or religion.

During this time David began to decide that humanitarian work was the field he wanted to work in.

David left the RAF and was employed by Scotrail. As with every job, David entered into it with enthusiasm. David met and married his second wife Dragana and they have a four year old daughter Athea.

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.