Family pay tribute to ‘darling’ backpacker
THE FATHER of a British traveller has paid tribute to his “darling” son after he died from injuries suffered while trying to defend a fellow backpacker in a knife attack at an Australian hostel.
Tom Jackson, 30, died in a Queensland on Tuesday and his father, Les, was quoted on a Youcaring fundraising page set up to help the family.
He wrote: “We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful.”
The page has raised more than £1,300 of a £5,000 target with all donations going to Mr Jackson’s parents. Mr Jackson suffered fatal stab wounds as he tried to save fellow backpacker Mia AyliffeChung, 21, when she was stabbed in a knife attack at Shelley’s Backpackers in Home Hill last week.
Police 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.
Smail Ayad, 29, is alleged to have stabbed Ms Ayliffe-Chung and to have caused the injuries which led to Mr Jackson’s death, as well as harming 12 police officers. Police said they were investigating whether Ayad had an “obsession” with Ms Ayliffe-Chung.
Later, Mr Jackson’s sister, Liv, wrote on Facebook: “Today it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to say goodbye to my wonderful big brother, “