A British man who was critically injured when he tried to save a fellow backpacker as she was stabbed in a knife attack in Australia has died.
Thomas Jackson, 30, went to the aid of Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, as she was repeatedly knifed and killed at Home Hill, Queensland, last Friday.
He suffered critical head injuries as he went to her aid and police described his actions as “selfless”, reports the Press Association.
Jackson’s father, Les, said: “We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place.”
Superintendent Ray Rohweder said last week: “There is no doubt Mr Jackson attempted to render aid to Mia.
“His subsequent actions were absolutely fantastic and I have no doubt that his actions on that day, as selfless, completely selfless as they were, led to the injuries that he now has.”
A spokesman for Queensland Police said: “Police can confirm 30-year-old British man Thomas Jackson, critically injured in an alleged knife attack at Home Hill on August 23, has today passed away in the Townsville Hospital.”
The spokesman said investigations are continuing, but detectives will upgrade a charge of attempted murder against a 29-year-old man when he next appears at Townsville Magistrates’ Court on October 28.
Jackson, a freelance journalist, had been on life support since the attack.
Smail Ayad, 29, is alleged to have stabbed Ms Ayliffe-Chung and to have caused the injuries which led to Jackson’s death at the Shelley’s Backpackers accommodation in Home Hill, as well as harming 12 police officers.
Police previously said that they were investigating whether Ayad had an “obsession” with Ms Ayliffe-Chung.
Last week Jackson’s father released a statement saying they were “immensely proud of Tom”.
“His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride.
“As a family we have been comforted by the help and support offered by our friends and family at home and in Australia who have been wonderful.”