Dieter Kowalski has been identified as the 40-year-old Denver, Colorado man who is believed to be the first confirmed American victim of the Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings.
According to reports, the 40-year-old Kowalski checked into the Cinnamon Grand Colombo hotel — one of three hotels targeted by suicide bombers — around 3:45 a.m.on Sunday, April 21.
At this time, the suicide bombings have killed at least 290 and injured another 500 people.
Dieter’s untimely passing was confirmed by his brother Derke Kowalski in a Facebook statement.
“It is with great saddness and deep regret that as Dieter’s brother that I confirm that Dieter was among the victim’s that passed away in Sri Lanka,” Derek Kowalski’s Facebook statement read.
“As we know that Dieter saw his friends as family, we would like to share our grief over this tragic incident. More information to follow. We have all lost a brother today,” the statement concluded.
Following the horrid attack, Sri Lankan authorities have identified local terrorists National Thowfeek Jamaath as the group responsible for the bombings. At this time, a total of 24 suspects have been arrested in connection to the bombing.
According to United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, “several” American citizens were killed in the senseless Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, John Amaratunga — the Sri Lankan tourism minister — said that “at least” 39 foreigners were among the victims, with citizens from countries such as Australia, Portugal, Britain, China, Japan, and the United States being among the deceased.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dieter Kowalski’s friends, family, and various loved ones during this extremely difficult time.
That is all the information that is available at this time. This article will be updated with new and relevant information should it become available at any time. If there is anything that we missed, please feel free to send an email to editor@teamcoed.com and we will respond as soon as possible.