Family of British Woman Killed By Novichok Say They're 'Devastated'

The family of a British woman who was killed after being exposed to a Novichok nerve agent has released a statement speaking of their "devastation" over her death. British police launched a murder inquiry after Dawn Sturgess, 44, died Sunday evening after falling critically ill from exposure to the nerve agent on June 30. In a statement issued by police Tuesday morning, her family said: “Dawn's death has been devastating for us. Dawn will always be remembered by us as a gentle soul who was generous to a fault. She would do anything for anybody and those who knew Dawn would know that she would gladly give her last penny to somebody in need. She had the biggest of hearts and she will be dreadfully missed by both her immediate and wider family." The statement thanked doctors who looked after her, and offered prayers for Charlie Rowley, 45, who remains in a critical condition after he was exposed to the same toxin. The statement concluded: “Finally, we would respectfully request that the media allow us the privacy to come to terms with the circumstances in which we find ourselves. We now need time and space to grieve and would also ask that people stop speculating about Dawn and what has happened.”