Western Mass. Native Killed In Mali Terrorist Attack

BOSTON (CBS) - The American killed in a terrorist attack in Africa was born in Western Massachusetts. Anita Datar grew up in New Jersey and was working for a company out of Maryland.

Datar was one of more than 20 people killed when terrorists stormed a hotel in the West African nation of Mali.

The siege ended after police stormed the building and freed dozens of hostages.

"We are devastated that Anita is gone—it's unbelievable to us that she has been killed in this senseless act of violence and terrorism," her brother Sanjeev Datar said in a statement. "Anita was one of the kindest and most generous people we know. She loved her family and her work tremendously. Everything she did in her life she did to help others— as a mother, public health expert, daughter, sister and friend."

Datar is survived by her son, parents, brother, "and many, many friends around the world."