Kimball Union Academy in Meriden is mourning the loss of graduate Steven Sotloff.
"His courageous actions have and will always inspire our students and our community,” Head of School Mike Schafer said in a letter to the school community.
The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, released a video Tuesday claiming to have beheaded Sotloff. American authorities have confirmed the video’s authenticity.
Sotloff, 31, was a freelance journalist covering the civil war in Syria. He was captured in 2013.
His life was threatened in a video two weeks ago where ISIS beheaded freelance journalist and New Hampshire native James Foley.
The group said it would kill Sotloff if the United States did not cease its air strikes in Iraq.
While attending Kimball Union, a private boarding school, Sotloff revitalized the student newspaper and played on the varsity football and rugby teams.
He returned to the campus in 2012 to share some of his experiences covering various conflicts.
“While the Kimball Union community mourns the terrible loss of Steven Sotloff, we proudly celebrate his important legacy and his deep commitment to making the world a better place. We send our deepest condolences to the Sotloff family,” said Schafer.
The school plans to honor Sotloff with a ceremony.
