Family’s tribute as Julian (7) is confirmed dead
THE grieving family of Julian Cadman, the British boy killed in the Barcelona terror attack, said they will never forget his smiles.
The seven-year-old was in the Spanish city with his mother, Jumarie Cadman, to attend a family wedding when they were hit by a white van as it careered down Las Ramblas, killing 13 and injuring more than 100.
Mrs Cadman was seriously injured and remains in a coma, unaware of her son’s death, a senior Catalan government source said.
Julian’s family confirmed he had been killed in a statement released yesterday, saying: “Julian was a much-loved and adored member of our family.
“As he was enjoying the sights of Barcelona with his mother, Julian was sadly taken from us.
“He was so energetic, funny and cheeky, always bringing a smile to our faces.
“We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and will remember his smiles and hold his memory dear to our hearts.”
The family thanked those who helped search for Julian in the immediate aftermath of the attack, adding: “Your kindness was incredible during a difficult time.
“We also acknowledge we arenottheonlyfamilytobe affected by the events, our prayers and thoughts are with all people affected.”
It took several days to formally identify Julian’s bodybecauseDNA confirmation was required, the government source said.
Andrew Cadman, the boy’s father, heard the news of the attack on the radio last week and on discovering that his son was missing, immediately flew from Sydney to Barcelona, arriving in the early hours of Saturday morning.
It is believed he was taken straight to the Ciutat de la Justicia, where victims of the terror attack were being identified by forensic experts.
He was then taken, with a
‘He was so funny and energetic, always bringing a smile to our faces’
police escort, to the Vall d’Hebron hospital where his wife, who sustained severe injuries, underwent surgery.
Julian was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and lived in the UK for four years, before the family-of-three moved to Australia three years ago.
A pharmacist who comforted Mrs Cadman in the immediate aftermath of the attack has described how she ignored her own injuries as she begged for information about her son.
Fouad Bakkali comforted Mrs Cadman as she lay on the floor of his Las Ramblas shop, waiting for paramedics.
He said Mrs Cadman appeared to be suffering two broken legs, a back injury and had a large wound on her head. “She was asking about her little boy.”