Clinton, family mourn only American victim

Former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton has joined family and friends of Anita Datar, the only American that was killed in the Radisson Blu Hotel siege in Mali.

Read: Mali President confirms 21 dead, declares state of emergency

While eulogising the late Datar, whose ex-husband, David Garten, was one of Clinton’s policy advisers when she served in the Senate, Clinton noted that the Health policy expert was a bright light who gave hope to people in need around the world.

In her words, “Anita Datar was a bright light who gave help and hope to people in need around the world, especially women and families. . . . She represented the best of America’s generous spirit,” Clinton said in a statement.

Continuing, she said, “My prayers are with the Datar and Garten families, especially Anita and David’s son. My heart breaks thinking of the burden he will now bear on his small shoulders and the courage he will have to show in the days ahead.”

Read: Al-Qaeda affiliated group claim attack

The late Datar had a son, Rohan, with her ex-hubby, David Garten, who is now a student at Takoma Park Elementary School.

According to friends and family members, Anita Datar was in high spirits and elated that she was back in Africa after leaving Senegal in 1999 where she was a Peace Corps volunteer.

The death of the 41-years old health policy expert has left members of her family in grief.

In a statement issued by her parents and siblings on Friday, November 20, 2015, the family shared a similar devastation.

"It’s unbelievable to us that she has been killed in this senseless act of violence and terrorism,” her brother Sanjeev Datar said in the statement.

'Anita was one of the kindest and most generous people we know. She loved her family and her work tremendously. Everything she did in her life she did to help others — as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend.'

Her brother said that while the family is saddened and angry about Datar’s death, “we know that she would want to promote education and health care to prevent violence and poverty at home and abroad, not intolerance.”