Inquest shock: How Katrina Dawson really died

Tragic new details have today emerged about the passing of Lindt Café siege victim Katrina Dawson, who perished during the infamous 2014 Sydney attack.

An inquest has heard that mum of three Katrina – one of 18 hostages taken by Islamic State-inspired gunman Man Haron Monis – perished after being struck by multiple police bullet fragments. Eager to save the hostages, armed officers had stormed the building to get Monis after the terrorist murdered café manager Tori Johnson (pictured above with Katrina in a memorial display).

The inquest has heard that Katrina – who died aged just 38 – was found under tables and chairs, and had a pulse when rescue workers got to her. However she later died after sustaining at least seven gunshot wounds – which included entries in her right shoulder, right upper back, left shoulder, left upper back and neck area, upper back and neck area, and two wounds to her neck.

Ballistics expert Lucas van der Walt told the inquest a police bullet fragmented as it passed through a chair, causing her numerous injuries.

At her emotional funeral in December 2014, Katrina’s husband Paul Smith, described the popular barrister as “my perfect partner”. Speaking of speculation surrounding her tragic final moments, he said: “Her focus was 100 per cent on getting home for [children] Chloe, Oliver and Sasha, and to me that makes her even more of a hero.”