Final Member of Kidnapped NBC News Crew Escapes Syria

Ian Rivers got separated from team during firefight

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/19/2012 4:42:21 PM

NBC News technical support staff member Ian Rivers, who was part of the network's kidnapped crew in Syria, is now out of the country, NBC said Wednesday.

Rivers was separated from the rest of Richard Engel's production team in the firefight at a Syrian rebel checkpoint, which resulted in the NBC team's escape. While Engel and two other members of the team escaped into Turkey early Tuesday, Rivers' whereabouts in Syria had previously been unknown.

"Now that Ian Rivers has been reunited with Richard Engel's entire production team, all of us at NBC News can breathe a huge sigh of relief and express our deep appreciation to all who helped secure their freedom," said NBC News president Steve Capus in a statement. "At the same time, our thoughts and concerns are with those who remain missing inside Syria and we hope for their swift and safe release."

Rivers is reportedly in good condition and will be evaluated in Turkey.