Death of Michigan Woman in Syria Cloaked in Mystery

Nicole Mansfield's family says it still lacks answers
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 28, 2013 1:11 PM CDT
Death of Michigan Woman in Syria Cloaked in Mystery
In this undated photo provided by the Mansfield family, Nicole Lynn Mansfield is shown.   (AP Photo/Mansfield Family Photo)

Nicole Mansfield died a month ago in Syria. Probably. A pro-Syrian government news agency reported the 33-year-old's death in May, but her family members have yet to receive confirmation that she was indeed killed in fighting; they've gotten no death certificate, no body, and few answers, cousin Deidra Mansfield tells the AP. But according to an anonymous US official, that's not for lack of trying.

The officials tells the AP that in order to issue a Consular Report of Death of a US Citizen Abroad, the State Department needs the Syrian government to provide a death certificate; the Czech Republic has apparently stepped in to help make that happen. The Czechs are also reported to be working to secure her remains, the location of which is unknown. Per Syrian news, Mansfield is said to have died while fighting with anti-government rebels in the northwestern city of Idlib. US officials have yet to publicly provide information about her death. Click for more on Mansfield. (More Nicole Mansfield stories.)

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