An American businessman has been confirmed among the several killed during an Islamic terror attack on a hotel complex in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. Jason Spindler, the CEO of a strategy and investment company, was reportedly having lunch at the upscale 14 Riverside Drive complex when he was shot dead.
‘If I Die I Love the Lord’: Man Sends Desperate Tweets During Nairobi Terror Attack
Spindler, a former investment banker at Citigroup and the founder of the strategy and consulting firm “I-Dev,” which had offices within the Riverside facility, was in Kenya attempting to “make a positive change in the third world in emerging markets,” according to his mother, Sarah.
Our first workshop in Lima on the Art of Negotiating a Deal! Thanks to all who participated and helped to make today a great success #Pecap @pedroneiraf @IDEVNews & Estudio Rebaza en @UtecVentures #entrepreneurs #Lima #Peru #investment #termsheets #perustartups pic.twitter.com/dunrYVEUYZ
— Jason Spindler (@Jason_Spindler) November 15, 2017
“We all miss him so much,” his mom told NBC News. “And it’s so sad that such a bright young person is taken away by terrorism.”
Posted by Jason Spindler on Tuesday, December 20, 2016
“Jason is Co-Founder of I-DEV, and has 15+ years of experience advising large and small corporations on growth, management and financial strategy,” reads his company bio.
Some Kenyan news outlets, including the Daily Nation, have reported that Jason was also a 9/11 survivor and have quoted a Facebook post penned by his brother, Jonathan, in the wake of his death.
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 was a survivor of 9-11 and a fighter, I am sure he gave them hell, 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 and Uncle,” the post read.
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
The U.S. State Department issued a short statement on Jason’s death:
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of this individual,” a spokesperson said following the attack. “Out of respect for the family of the deceased, we have no further comment.”
Do pray for Jason’s family at this time of terrible grief.