It was and still is an unmitigated tragedy.

Hondros’ photos from conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, and Liberia, among other places, constitute one of the most affecting bodies of work in photojournalism.

His childhood friend, fellow journalist, and frequent story companion Greg Campbell had left Libya just a week before.

“He cared a lot about the people he shot,” Campbell told Business Insider. “He always brought the focus to the people impacted by the events he covered. He became well-known for being able to find the human thread through everything.”