For the first time since his death, the grieving family of beheaded journalist Steven Sotloff speaks out in public as they remember his life and how he devoted it to giving voice "to those who had none."

Barak Barfi, a family friend, read a statement from Sotloff's kin on how he gave his life while trying to uncover stories of those suffering in warzones.

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In the statement, Sotloff's relatives cited that he was not a war junkie, nor a hero, but just "a mere man who tried to find good concealed in a world of darkness."

"From the Libyan doctor in Misrata who struggled to provide psychological services to children ravaged by war, to the Syrian plumber who risked his life by crossing regime lines to purchase medicine, their story was Steve's story. He ultimately sacrificed his life to bring their story to the world," it stated.

They described the 31-year-old journalist to be a 'gentle soul' who was torn between the love of being at home with his family and his passion towards the Arab World.

The statement also indicated the Sotloff family's sympathy for the death of another American journalist, James Foley, as they extend their prayers to Foley's relatives.

Barfi explained that though they are grieving, Steven Sotloff's family believe that they will emerge stronger than ever, before adding that the terrorists will no longer "hold us hostage with the sole weapon they possess: Fear."

Steven Sotloff was beheaded by a British killer known as Jihadi John. The Islamic State militants posted the video footage of his death on Tuesday, threatening to behead another captive from the U.K.

Sotloff is the second American journalist to be publicly executed by ISIS, following James Foley. Before he was killed, Sotloff spoke of "paying the price" based on a script clearly written by his captors.

TagsSteven Sotloff, beheaded, james foley, American journalist, ISIS, foley, sotloff