An American who survived the 9/11 terror attack has been identified as one of at least 14 people killed in the terror attack at 14 Riverside Drive, Nairobi.
Jason Spindler, the global managing director of I-DEV International who was based in the Kenyan capital, was killed in Tuesday’s attack according to his family and officials in Kenya.
Spindler’s mother Sarah Sandler told NBC News that her son “was trying to make a positive change in the third world in emerging markets.”
Jonathan Spindler, Jason’s brother, announced the family’s tragic loss via Facebook.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that my brother, Jason Spindler passed away this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya. Jason was a survivor of 9/11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell!” Jonathan’s post read.
“There are no words to describe how our family is feeling but I can say…Jason Spindler you are and will always be an amazing son, brother, uncle. Rest in peace – we miss you dearly.”
Spindler’s friend Chris Schroeder remembered him in a Facebook post as “one of those rare men who was loved by pretty much anyone he touched in Kenya and around the world.”
Schroeder said Spindler, “chose a life of hope and inclusion. I am grateful to have known and learned from him.”
The San Francisco-based company I-DEV International confirmed Spindler was killed, and nine others in its Nairobi office safely evacuated.
According to colleagues, Spindler was having lunch at the upmarket Dusit D2 hotel complex in Nairobi when the attack happened.
I-DEV is based at Metta, a space for entrepreneurs that is located at the 14 Riverside office complex in the Belgravia building’s sixth floor.
The Metta Africa head of community, memberships, and operations Essie Mwikali said there were 45 people at the space when the attack happened.
Spindler joined the Peace Corps after the Sept. 11 terror attacks and was a graduate of NYU Law and the University of Texas at Austin. He was also the recipient of grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Foundation
The Kenya Tech community, friends, and colleagues of Jason Spindler have been sending their condolence messages on Twitter.
We have sampled a few:
Really sad to hear of the death of Jason Spindler CEO of I – DEV, a strong player and supporter of the Kenyan Tech Ecosystem. We pray for God’s grace & comfort for the family and team at I-Dev. ??? #RIPJason#14Riverside #KenyaAttack #WeShallOvercome pic.twitter.com/K3kDo8iNoG
— Sam Gichuru (@SamGichuru) January 16, 2019
Jason Spindler was one of those rare men who was loved by pretty much anyone be touched in Kenya and around the world. Today he was killed in the terrible al shabab attack in Nairobi. He chose a life of hope and inclusion. I am grateful to have known and learned from him. pic.twitter.com/B4YnxB6bic
— Chris Schroeder (@cmschroed) January 16, 2019
We are all safe from @WeAreMettaNBO we had around 45 people at the space Unfortunately we lost one, our dear Jason Spindler, CEO, I-Dev based at Mettā.?? We are still trying to recover mentally. I’m at home with Family and friends. Will update on the state of Mettā in due time.
— Ess Mwikali (@essiemwix) January 16, 2019
Thoughts and prayers with the spindler family and the idev team. Jason was incredibly passionate and had a deep love for #Kenya and #africa. It was an honor to know him.
— Steven Grin (@sgrin77) January 16, 2019
really heavy heart re death of @Jason_Spindler. A friend of @Wimbart & no doubt a friend of everyone he ever came across. A great guy. Smart, savvy, infectious enthusiasm, passionate & committed to sector he worked in [& thrived in] thoughts with his family & @IDEVNews team ?? https://t.co/dD6CYtpMQM
— Jessica Hope (@WimbartHope) January 16, 2019
We are devastated to hear about the loss of @JasonSpindler in Nairobi. A man who was pushing boundaries and driving progress with I-Dev and simply a great guy, with a big smile. Our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Rest In Peace.
— Africa Tech Summits (@AfricaTechSMT) January 16, 2019
We have had the privilege of working closely with @Jason_Spindler team at I-DEV on rural electrification in Kenya.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. https://t.co/LOhnqjHCTz— Avi (@Avi_Jacobson) January 16, 2019
Devastated to learn that Jason passed away yesterday during the attack in Nairobi. My very deepest condolences to family and friends. Jason was an incredible entrepreneur who worked tirelessly to improve the livelihoods of millions of people. You will not be forgotten my friend
— Patrick Sieyes (@psieyes) January 16, 2019
Extremely heavy heart today. Jason Spindler will be sorely missed in NBO. Nairobi friends, I’m thinking of you x
— Christina Goldbaum (@cegoldbaum) January 16, 2019
We have lost heroes like Jason Spindler (i-Dev) including other passionate fellow tech members from Cellulant. The entire KE tech community has been left with a void and we feel it in our hearts. May your souls RIP. Your legacy remains with us. #RiverSideAttack
— hildamoraa (@hildamoraa) January 16, 2019
So sad to learn that Jason Spindler @IDEVNews CEO is among the casualties of the tragic #KenyaAttack. Met him once and he really had a big heart to work with local techpreneurs. Fare thee well Jason
— Njuguna Githuthu (@martinsnjuguna) January 16, 2019
Rest in peace Jason Spindler, you loved the world, may all those whom you touched in this world never forget you!
#RIPJason#WeShallOvercome #KenyaAttack #KenyaUnbowed pic.twitter.com/xs1lku8sSQ— AfricanBeauty (@AfricaSosholite) January 16, 2019
