From hope to frustration to grief: Warren Weinstein's family mourns loss
All of the trees near the home of Warren Weinstein, one of two hostages killed in a January counterterrorism operation, are adorned with yellow ribbons and have been for the last three years. His family described him as a man who respected the Pakistani culture -- a man who as a career foreign aid worker devoted his life to helping others, reports CBS News correspondent Wyatt Andrews.
"It has been more than two years since I was taken prisoner by al Qaeda," Weinstein said in a 2013 video.
He was taken from his home in Lahore, Pakistan, in August 2011 when armed men made their way past his security guards.
He had been living in Pakistan for seven years working as a government contractor and was abducted just four days before he was to return to the U.S.
As a seasoned foreign aid worker, Weinstein spoke seven languages and had a passion for travel, often bringing his family with him.
During his three-and-a-half-year captivity, his wife Elaine and their two daughters, Alisa and Jennifer, publicly pleaded for his release.
Last year, Elaine expressed anger when her husband was not included in the deal that traded Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for five Taliban captives.
"It would've been nice if they had traded five prisoners for five hostages," she said.
In a statement released Thursday, the Weinstein family said, "We were so hopeful that those in the U.S. and Pakistani governments, with the power to take action and secure his release, would have done everything possible to do so, but those who took Warren captive over three years ago bear ultimate responsibility."
Neighbor Ed Waggoner said he has prayed for Weinstein every week. But this Sunday he said, his prayer will change.
"The prayer will be for the family. God has him now," he said.