A newlywed who was killed in a horrific attack by an ISIS-linked terror cell in Uganda has been remembered by friends and acquaintances as a “pillar of the community” and “very genuine” – as loved ones struggle after the couple’s horrific deaths.
The deaths of David Barlow and Celia Geyer were mourned by friends after their honeymoon safari in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park turned into a nightmare late Tuesday when their vehicle was torched by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an avowed terrorist group. allegiance to ISIS.
“We woke up today with a heavy heart, and the deepest sadness to hear the terrible news of the death of Dave and Celia Barlow,” Richard Davies, church warden at St. Mary in Hampstead Norreys, wrote about the couple’s murder, the BBC said.
“[David] is a pillar of the community, always putting their needs first,” Davies said of Barlow, who served on the parish council for more than 10 years.
“Dave grew up nearby and lived here all his life,” added Davies.
“He was one of those people who was a big part of the community, he was well liked, involved in sports clubs, involved in all aspects of village life.”
“David was a very genuine person, he would say what he thought, he was very funny, with a great sense of humor and a really nice guy,” parish councilor Toby Harris told The Guardian.
David Barlow was murdered along with his new wife on Tuesday. Hampstead Norreys Cricket Club
“I spent a lot of time bumping into him in the pub for a beer or two. He is approachable and down to earth.”
Barlow, 50, and Geyer lived together in Hampstead Norreys, in Berkshire, friends told The Guardian.
Barlow runs a timber yard, and is also chairman of Hampstead Norreys parish council and the local cricket club, the outlet reported.
Geyer is from South Africa, and works as Senior Vice President of Design and Project Development for Belmond, a luxury travel firm.
He is also remembered by colleagues and neighbors.
Celia Geyer is remembered by colleagues as a “force of nature.”Belmond/LinkedIn
“Celia is a force of nature – full of unique skills, ideas, creativity, passion and action,” wrote Belmond CEO Dan Ruff in a LinkedIn tribute.
“I will miss his ‘up for anything’ attitude, as we traveled the world and saw amazing things. I will miss the love he showed for his job, his team, his family, and of course, his dog.
“An extraordinary woman, a legend in her own right, gone too soon.”
The couple’s vehicle was burned by a terrorist group in Uganda.KAZO TELEVISION / X
“I only met Celia once for about half an hour. He was friendly and warm, a very good person,” added Harris.
“They are considered good by people here. Members of the community travel to attend their weddings [last weekend]which shows how popular he is.”
Hampstead Norreys cricket club paid tribute to the pair on Facebook – and affectionately referred to Barlow as “Lord Barlow.”
The burning vehicle pictured late Tuesday. KAZO TELEVISION / X
“[David] it was at a time when this happened with the most important person in his life, a woman we all know, because Dave was so proud to share all of Celia’s accomplishments. He was also an amazing human being, who will be greatly missed,” the emotional statement read.
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“Mr Barlow as we affectionately know him will be with us forever. The whole club’s thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Celia’s family now.”
Tributes from those who knew the couple came after terrifying pictures showed their green safari truck still fully ablaze on a dirt road.
Ugandan President Yoweri K. Museveni earlier said that the country’s High Commission in the UK would contact the Barlow and Geyer families following the tragedy.
Referring to the attack on the couple as “the most unfortunate and upsetting incident,” Museveni also vowed that the terrorists “will pay with their own wretched lives.”
The ADF was founded in Uganda, but has been based in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the late 1990s.
The group pledged allegiance to ISIS four years ago.
On Dec. 2021, Uganda and the DRC launched a joint operation to eliminate the group from eastern Congo – resulting in the deaths of more than 560 fighters.
Museveni, however, admitted that the group that attacked Barlow and Geyer slipped through a “loophole” in official patrols tasked with guarding tourists in the park.
In connection with the deaths of Barlow and Geyer, Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued an official warning against all but essential travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
