Khork was “truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him”, his mother, Donna Burhans, father, James Khork, and stepmother, Stacey Khork, said in a statement.
The torch began its journey at Stoke Mandeville, where the Paralympic movement started.
The opposition says that hundreds of people were killed during the unrest but there is no official death toll.
The private messaging group included the US defence secretary’s wife, brother and personal lawyer, sources tell US media.