Libya Crash: Sole Survivor's Family Speaks

 

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On one stood flowers, notes, and pictures of the three van Assouws who perished in the crash.

"Enzo, Trudy, Patrick," a sign read. "You'll be forever in our heart."

On the other table rested a single picture of Ruben, smiling, his auburn hair to his shoulders, along with flowers and well-wishes from his classmates.

"This family was so nice, and really involved with the school," principal Elly Sebregts told ABC News. "The children were exceptionally friendly and very loved. It is just devastating that three of them have been taken from us."

Sebregts said she didn't know when Ruben would return to the classroom.

"That is up to the family," she said. "We will welcome him with a lot of love and warmth [when he does come back]."

In today's statement Ruben's family thanked the public for their sympathy in a difficult time, but asked to be left alone.

"We sincerely hope that our privacy will be respected so that we can deal with our loss in peace," they wrote.