Ross Langdon (35) is a British-Australian national killed in this week’s terrorist assault on a Kenyan shopping mall in Nairobi. He was an award winning architect and was well respected in his field.
Here is what you need to know about this fallen hero.
1. Langdon And His Wife Were Gunned Down At The Kenyan Mall
(Twitter)
Langdon and his wife were out for lunch when terrorists stormed a mall earlier this week in Nairobi, Kenya and opened fire on innocent civilians. According to the Daily Mail, the couple were found arm in arm with Langdon’s arm over his pregnant wife’s belly in a puddle of blood, the counter behind them riffled with AK-47 bullets. The food they had just bought was scattered on the floor near them.
2. Langdon Was An Architect
Landon was a founding director at the award-winning architecture firm, Regional Associates, according to The Guardian. The company, with offices in London, England and Melbourne, Australia, has released a statement on the passing of their friend.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss our friend and colleague Ross Langdon and his partner Elif Yavuz.
Profoundly talented and full of life, Ross enriched the lives of all those around him. Ross’s leadership on projects throughout East-Africa was inspirational, and he will be will be very, very sorely missed by us all. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ross and Elif’s families at this very difficult time.
3. Langdon Was Born In Tasmania
Langon, who was originally born in Tasmania, received part of his education at the University of Tasmania. He later moved on to study at the University of Sydney before setting up shop in London, England, where he started his firm.
4. His Family Is In Shock
(Twitter)
Langdon’s family is asking the public for privacy in their time of peril. They are suffering with the news of the passing of Ross and his wife.
We have lost my beautiful son Ross Langdon, his lovely partner Elif Yavuz and their much loved baby just two weeks away from birth,” wrote Mrs. Langdon, Ross’ mother, on her son’s Facebook page. “The loss is immeasurable, absurd and excruciating.”
5. He Was Married To Dr. Elif Yavuz
Victims of terrorists at #WestGateMall – British architect Ross Langdon and his pregnant partner, Elif Yavuz. pic.twitter.com/bpfvMgu7EN
— Kety Shapazian (@KetyDC) September 23, 2013
Ross Langdon was married to Dr. Elif Yavuz, who was also killed in the terrorist attack at the Kenyan mall this week. She was pregnant with the couple’s first child at the time of her death. She was due to give birth three weeks later.
Bill Clinton personally visited Yavuz at the Health Access Initiative based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Clintons released a statement regarding her passing.
We were shocked and terribly saddened to learn of the death of Elif Yavuz in the senseless attacks in Nairobi. Elif devoted her life to helping others, particularly people in developing countries suffering from malaria and HIV/AIDS. … Elif was brilliant, dedicated, and deeply admired by her colleagues, who will miss her terribly. On behalf of the entire Clinton Foundation, we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Elif’s family and her many friends throughout the world.