Ontario woman killed in Istanbul nightclub attack was 'outgoing, optimistic'

The family of AlaaAlMuhandis,a Milton, Ont., woman killed in a New Year's Day attack at a popular Istanbul nightclub, is remembering the 29-year-old as a "proud mother and wonderful wife."

In a statement to CBC News, AlMuhandis'shusband,AsalAhmed, described the mother of two as an "outgoing, optimistic and loving person," who worked as an event planner and loved to travel.

Al Muhandis was among 39 people victims killed whenagunman shot his way into theReinanightclub in Istanbul around 1:15 a.m.,just over an hour into 2017.

• Canadian confirmed dead in Istanbul nightclub shooting
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Her husband said she was in Amman, Jordan, for the last two months and had travelled to Turkey with a small group of friends to ring in the New Year.

"Friends and family are in total shock for their great loss," Ahmed said.

Al Muhandis's brother Mohammadtold CBC News he received a call from Al Muhandis's husband on Monday.

"He told me that she passed away. I don't know even know how to tell my mom," said MohammadAl Muhandis in aninterview.

The shooter, who has not yet been identified, killeda police officer and a civilian as he entered before opening fire at random inside the club. At least 69 people were injured in the carnage.

MohammadAl Muhandis said the news of his sister's deathcame as shockbecause he had no idea she was in Istanbul.

She had been in Jordan for the last two months visiting a sick friend, he said.

The last time he spoke to herwas on Dec.29th or 30th.

Authorities close to identifying gunman

Authorities have obtained the fingerprints and a basic description of the gunman and are close to identifying him, according toTurkish Deputy Prime MinisterNumanKurtulmus.

• Turkish authorities says nightclub attacker's fingerprints found

Eight people had been detained in connection to theattack.The gunman, who escaped, wasn't among the eight.

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is claiming responsibility for the attack.