Taylor Anderson, a Richmond school teacher, was discovered dead in Japan as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11, making her the first confirmed American casualty of the natural disasters. She was 24.
Anderson's family members said in a statement Monday they were notified of her discovery by the U.S. Embassy in Japan earlier that morning.
Anderson was in Japan teaching English to Japanese students when the earthquake hit, according to a press release from Gov. Bob McDonnell.
"Fittingly, she was last seen helping parents safely reunite with their children following the earthquake, an act which illustrates her dedication to her students and to the Japanese people she served," McDonnell said.
Anderson graduated from St. Catherine's School in Richmond and Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.
"We would like to thank all those whose prayers and support have carried us through this crisis," Anderson's family said in their statement. "Please continue to pray for all who remain missing and for the people of Japan. We ask that you respect our privacy during this hard time."
-compiled by Ana Mir
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