The brave backpacker who tried to save the life of a fellow traveller during a brutal stabbing attack in Queensland has died.
Journalist Thomas Jackson, 30, was stabbed in the face neck and chest while trying to save his friend Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, who was allegedly killed by Frenchman Smail Ayad, 29, in the shocking Home Hill hostel attack.
Tending to dying Mia in the bathroom after she managed to flee her attacker, Smail allegedly cornered Thomas in the bathroom and stabbed him over 20 times.
Left clinging for his life in Townsville Hospital following the shocking murder, Tom’s father Les dashed from the UK to be by his son’s side.
‘There are many and varied reasons why we are, and always will be, immensely proud of Tom,’ said Les. ‘His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride’.
Originally charged with the attempted murder of Thomas, Smail’s charge will now be upgraded to murder, detectives confirm.
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