Sydney siege victims lauded for courage, kindness
Victims of Sydney siege remembered for kindness, brilliance as reports emerge of heroism
By KRISTEN GELINEAU
Associated Press 2014-12-16 07:02 PM
SYDNEY (AP) -- She was a brilliant lawyer who taught young students how to prepare for mock trials. He was the beloved manager of a chocolate shop and cafe who was known for putting his staffers' needs first. Both of their lives ended in a hail of bullets inside a Sydney cafe after a disturbed gunman took them hostage along with 15 others.
Katrina Dawson, a 38-year-old mother of three, and Tori Johnson, the 34-year-old manager of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe, where the 16-hour siege unfolded, were being lauded Tuesday for their courage after unconfirmed reports emerged that both had sacrificed themselves to save their fellow hostages.
Sydney's Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher said at an emotional memorial service attended by hundreds at St. Mary's Cathedral that Johnson had reportedly brought the siege to a head by grabbing the shotgun wielded by hostage-taker Man Haron Monis. Monis was killed as police stormed the cafe to end the siege.
"Apparently seeing an opportunity, Tori grabbed the gun. Tragically, it went off, killing him. But it triggered the response of police and eventual freedom for most of the hostages," Fisher said. "Reports have also emerged that Katrina Dawson was shielding her pregnant friend from gunfire. These heroes were willing to lay down their lives so others might live."
New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner Catherine Burn declined to comment on any individual's actions, saying what transpired in the cafe remained under investigation.
"This will all come out in time, no doubt," Burn said. "Can I just say, I think every single one of those hostages, every single one of those victims, acted courageously."
Dawson was the mother of three young children, Chloe, Sasha and Oliver, and a highly respected commercial lawyer. She was remembered as "one of our best and brightest" by New South Wales Bar Association president Jane Needham.
Andrew Powell, head of the Ascham School, which Dawson attended in her youth, said she was a well-respected and giving woman who excelled at her studies. Dawson's daughter Chloe is a student at the school and Sasha will be attending next year.
Dawson was the school's debating captain and played hockey and basketball. After she became a lawyer, she helped teach senior students at her former school how to prepare for mock trials.
Johnson was remembered as a selfless man who put others first.
"By nature he was a perfectionist and he had a genuine passion for the hospitality industry and people," Lindt Australia CEO Steve Loane said in a statement. "His loss is absolutely tragic."
Johnson's parents issued a brief statement, thanking the public for its support.
"We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for," they said.
Structure of the lead
WHO-a brilliant lawyer, beloved manager of a chocolate shop and cafe
WHAT-their lives ended
WHEN-not given
WHERE- Sydney cafe
WHY-not given
HOW-in a hail of bullets
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What the sad news is! I cannot believe that such a terrible thing would have happened in Sydney, a peaceful country. Moreover, there were two people dead. I feel so sorry about that. Especially after I read this news, one of the deceased is a lawyer and I admired her courage very much. If I were she, I cannot male sure that I would be brave enough to save my friends. The other one is a brave manager and I appreciate his courage to fight against the gunman. They both sacrificed their lives to save other people. They are heroes!
回覆刪除On the other hand, I think Taiwan could be alert. Maybe there will be the same thing happening in Taiwan I hope Taiwan can handle this thing much better!
I feel sad to hear the bad news. Many people were kept in the coffee shop for a long time. Two people dead in the end. One is the manager of the coffee shop, but for he sacrificed himself to save the customers, there were be more people dead in the accident. And the other is the brave female lawyer who sacrificed herself to save her pregnant friend. Both of their brave deeds will be remembered by the peoples.
回覆刪除It is really a tragedy! I can't image if I were here,I thought I might choose to commit suicide instead of undergoing the tough 17 hours.However,at the same time ,we still saw how brave the human being is,I respect those who sacrifice themselves to save their friends during the urgency time.Their death also taught everyone a lessen-how to make one's life meaningful and precious.Hope all the countries can pay attention to this event,and stay alert to the terrorist.
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