Relatives’ tributes to Australia stabbing victim
THE “INDESCRIBABLY proud” relatives of traveller Tom Jackson have paid tribute to a “wonderful big brother” and a “darling” son after he died in an Australian hospital.
The 30-year-old was stabbed as he tried to save fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, during a knife attack at Shelley’s Backpackers in Home Hill, Queensland, last week.
Heartbroken sister Liv Jackson, who flew out to Australia with her father Les after Mr Jackson was seriously injured in the incident, posted on Facebook: “There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for the pain and heartbreak of losing a sibling and a friend, but there is great comfort in knowing that he was mine.
“To everyone back home and to everyone here in Australia, there are literally not enough words to thank you for your support and beautifully kind words to my family at this time.”
She urged people not to remember him as a victim but as a friend and to cherish his memory, adding: “Indescribably proud of everything you accomplished and the lives you touched.
“I will love you always and forever TJ, your little sister, Lou.”
Mr Jackson, from Congleton, Cheshire, died in a north Queensland hospital on Tuesday.
Queensland Police said 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.
Smail Ayad is alleged to have killed Ms Ayliffe-Chung and to have caused the injuries which led to Mr Jackson’s death, as well as harming 12 police officers.
Police previously said they were investigating whether Ayad had an “obsession” with Ms Ayliffe-Chung, from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, and described Mr Jackson’s actions as “selfless”.
Friends and well-wishers posted tributes to Mr Jackson on social media, with many changing their profile pictures to images of him.
Rachel Edwards, who has been close friends with Mr Jackson since they studied at South Cheshire College together, wrote: “I can’t really find the words to say how devastated I
There are not enough words to thank you for your support Sister Liv Jackson, who flew out to Australia with her father Les
am to lose one of my greatest and longest friends.”
Miss Edwards, 30, from Crewe, Cheshire, told the Press Association: “He would try his utmost to try and light people’s lives up with his kind words and inspiration, always pointing out the best in you and trying to make you see that.
“He had a genuine care for everyone he met and always had a smile on his face, even when he didn’t feel like it inside.
“I loved him so much, there will literally never be another one like him and I’m so glad we got to tell each other how much our friendship meant to one another before he went on his travels on one of our moments.”