Canada: Ontario man killed in Syria 'fighting' against Islamic State militants

In the letter, the Kurdish group described him as a daring and courageous companion and an example for younger fighters, his sister Giustina Tassone was quoted as saying by CTV News reports.

The letter did not give any details of Tassone’s death.

It said his body had been taken by Islamic State militants.

Tassone grew up in Keswick, Ontario, and was in Edmonton earlier last year before he left Canada in June 2016 telling his family that he was going to Iraq and Turkey to teach English.

"We didn't have full knowledge of what he was doing," his sister Giustina said, adding that the family suspected he was going there to fight in the war "because that's what my brother always wanted to do," CTV News said.

Tassone's sister and mother did not see him after he left for the Middle East.  They only received a few messages from him through Facebook.

He had sent a message that he was in Middle East and was still alive

The only hope that the family cherished was Canadian government could help bring Tassone’s body brought back to Ontario for a funeral.

A Global Affairs spokeswoman, is reported having said Canadians who travel to Syria and Iraq do so at their own personal risk.

"Due to the unpredictable security situation, the Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in all parts of Iraq and Syria is severely limited," Kristine Racicot said in an email. "That being said, we will do our best to assist the family through this difficult time."

The following post on Nazzareno Tassone’s Facebook account confirmed that his body had been brought back to Canada,

“We'd also like to extend our great thanks to the Toronto Kurdish community and the YPG for paying to get my brother home back from ISIS and to Canada. Also to the Canadian Heros foundation for pay for the funeral and other service cost. It means a lot to my family to have so much help in this time,” his family said.

(Reported by Asha Bajaj)