A mother who died protecting her baby from a knife-wielding man at a Sydney shopping center on Saturday was an “exceptional human”, her family said.
Ashlee Good, 38, handed her injured infant daughter to bystanders shortly after she was injured, eyewitnesses said.
“The mother was stabbed and… came with the baby and threw it at me and (I) was holding the baby,” one man said. Nine news.
The nine-month-old child underwent surgery and is doing well, the family said.
On Saturday shortly after 3 p.m. local time, Joel Cauchi, 40, caused panic by attacking shoppers with a large knife, sending crowds rushing for the exits.
He killed five women and a man in the attack and injured several others. He was shot dead by a lone police officer who was hailed as a “hero”.
Police said the attack was most likely “related to the mental health” of Mr Cauchi, who had a history of mental health problems.
Ms Good’s family said they were “in shock at the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, exceptional human in every way and so much more.”
They added their gratitude to the medical team at Sydney Children’s Hospital, the police and the two men who “cared for our baby when Ashlee couldn’t”.
“We appreciate the wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our little girl,” the family said in a statement on Sunday.
His former employers said they were “deeply saddened by the horrible news” of the stabbings.
Danni and Coby du Preez, of massage therapy company Muscle Medicine, said: “Ash was a wonderful person, who worked with us for a short time. We send our love and thoughts to his family and our best wishes for (her baby) recovery.”
The man who took the baby from Ms Good told Nine News the child looked “pretty bad” at the time. “There was a lot of blood on the floor. I hope the baby is okay.”
The man’s brother said: “He helped hold the baby and try to compress him and the mother.
“We kept screaming for clothes, shirts and help to compress and stop the baby from bleeding.
“With my brother holding the baby so well and really squeezing him, I think the baby is fine.”
The man added: “We were just out shopping and saw the man running towards the woman with the baby and then we were both ready to go and help her.
“But I just told my brother, ‘we have to run in,’ and I ran, told the guys to lock the doors, and then the mother came with the bleeding baby… We We got them into the store and just got them to safety and then called for help.”
Ms Good was the daughter of former Australian Football League player Kerry Good, who played for North Melbourne. The club wore a black armband in his memory during a match on Sunday, and club manager Alastair Clarkson fought back tears while speaking before the match.
“It’s a shock for our club and especially for the Good family,” he told Fox Sports.
“It’s so sad. Ash and his beautiful baby girl… She’s not going to have a mom – it breaks our hearts.”
Another victim of the attack was identified as security guard Faraz Tahir, who died “while trying to protect the community”.
The 30-year-old had sought refuge in Australia from Pakistan only a year ago, according to members of his local community.
In a statement, Australia’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community expressed its “deep sadness” following the attack.
Mr. Tahir was “a valued member of our community and a dedicated security officer who tragically lost his life while serving the public during this attack,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as all other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence,” it reads.
Scentre Group, which runs Westfield shopping centers in Australia, said Mr Tahir was fatally injured while trying to protect the community during the tragedy.
“We are devastated by Faraz’s passing and recognize the courage of our team members and their role as first responders,” he said in a statement.
“Our deepest and sincere condolences go out to his family and to all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
“Our thoughts and concerns are also with the families and caregivers of those injured in the attack, as well as the everyday heroes whose actions prevented further loss of life.”
Another security personnel was injured and remains hospitalized, according to the statement.
Dawn Singleton, 25, was also named locally as a victim of the stabbings.
She worked at clothing retailer White Fox Boutique, which paid tribute to her on Instagram.
“We are all truly devastated by this loss,” he said. “Dawn was a sweet and generous person who had her whole life ahead of her. She was truly incredible.
“We send our love and deepest condolences to his partner, the Singleton family and his friends.”
NSW Police also identified architect Jade Young, 47, and Pikria Darchia, 55, as victims of the attack.
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