14 Facts About Anton Hammerl

Anton Hammerl was a South African photojournalist who was shot and killed by troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi outside of Brega while covering the First Libyan Civil War on 5 April 2011.

Anton Hammerl was one of five journalists killed during the civil war.

Anton Lazarus Hammerl was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on 12 December 1969 to Ludwig and Freda Hammerl.

Anton Hammerl attended King Edward VII Primary and Roosevelt High School.

Anton Hammerl served in Angola with the South African Defence Force.

Anton Hammerl was a father to a daughter from a previous relationship.

Anton Hammerl was a dual citizen of Austria and South Africa.

In 1992, Anton Hammerl began working as a freelance photojournalist for The Star, where he met colleague and mentor, Ken Oosterbroek.

In 1995, Anton Hammerl, while continuing his work with The Star, began working as a senior photographer for independent South African newspapers the Saturday Star and the Sunday Independent.

From 2006 until his death in 2011, Anton Hammerl went back to being a freelance photojournalist in London.

The reporters were headed toward the front lines of battle when they walked into a fight between rebels and Gaddafi forces; the latter shot Anton Hammerl and captured the others.

Anton Hammerl's family was notified that he was missing and they asked South Africa to aid them in gaining his release.

Anton Hammerl's wife contacted the South African consular officials in London and, since South Africa no longer had a diplomatic staff in Tripoli embassy, it passed the information on to officials in South Africa.

However, the next day, Anton Hammerl's family was informed that the issue of his release had not been raised by President Zuma's delegation.