Vern was a rich human civilian staying on Beta Gabriel when the planet was attacked by Jiralhanae of in 2552.
Background
In September 2552 the Covenant vessel Valorous Salvation retreated from the battle at Reach and landed on Beta Gabriel, where its Jiralhanae crew began to sadistically massacre the planet's human population. Vern was rounded up with the other humans and brought to a camp where his fellow humans were torn apart and eaten. Unable to eat a healthy amount of food, he became very gaunt and weak. Connor Brien described him as withering and with a turtle face. He took part in Brien's plan to escape, shouting like mad with Nixaliz in order to increase confusion when Brutes began to fight amongst themselves. Unfortunately in his weakened state he was unable to escape the pursuing Brutes, and was killed.[1]