Parents of UCF alumnus who was beheaded by ISIS react to leader's death

The parents of a former UCF student killed by the terrorist group Islamic State said they're glad its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, is dead.

Freelance journalist Steven Sotloff was captured in Syria in 2013. A year later, ISIS released video of his beheading.

Sotloff's family said they hope the remaining ISIS hostages will soon be free.

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"It's been very difficult for all of us, all the families, and we hope and pray that justice will be served,” Steven’s mother, Shirley Sotloff said.

Al-Baghdadi and his wife detonated explosive vests they were wearing during a U.S. raid Saturday in Syria, The Associated Press said.

President Donald Trump announced al-Baghdadi’s death Sunday.

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The Sotloffs thanked Trump, Special Forces and intelligence allies for their fight against terror.

“While the victory will not bring our beloved son Steven back to us, it is a significant step in the campaign against ISIS,” Shirley Sotloff said.

Steven Sotloff studied journalism at the University of Central Florida between 2002 and 2004.

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Story: Vigil held in memory of former UCF students killed by ISIS

"You never find total closure on something like this, you never forget," Steven's father, Art Sotloff said.

The Sotloffs started a foundation called 2Lives in memory of their son and his “commitment to excellence in news reporting.”

"I want to make sure that years from now, everyone remembers who my son was, what he did, what he went though and what he wished to happen, and this is one of the wishes right here," Art Sotloff said.

According to the foundation’s website, 2Lives aims to “equip journalists in our changed world with the knowledge and tools they need to tell the important stories of the world in the safest possible way, honoring freedom of the press and freedom of speech, ending impunity, and bringing them home safely and alive, under all circumstances.”

The 2Lives Foundation also provides a safety training course for freelance journalists.