The family of a first-time mom who was killed in the Sydney Westfield shopping centre attack has spoken out.
On Saturday (April 13), a man since identified by police as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi entered Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney wielding a knife, killing six people and injuring several others, including a baby.
One of those lost was first-time mom 38-year-old Ashlee Good, who was reported by witnesses as having quickly thrust her nine-month-old baby girl into the arms of onlookers after being injured.
Advert
At around 3:30pm (NSW), authorities were called to the shopping centre over reports of a lone knifeman having entered the mall, with shocking footage appearing online of a man wielding a large knife on an escalator as a passerby tried to block him using a bollard.
Two brothers told 9News Sydney that they were 'just shopping' when they saw a man 'run up to the woman with the baby' - Ashlee and her nine-month-old daughter.
They say Ashlee then ran up to them, 'bleeding' and stabbed' and they ushered the mom and child into the store they were hiding in and 'rang for help'.
Advert
Devastatingly, Ashlee didn't make it, one of the five woman and one man who passed away, and multiple others injured in the attack too.
Off-duty at the time, New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott, was in the area and directed to the scene by 'a range of people,' assistant commissioner of New South Wales Police Force Anthony Cooke said, where she confronted Cauchi, who is reported as raising his knife at her, before she then 'discharged a firearm' and as per Cooke 'that person is now deceased'.
Ashlee's family have since publicly addressed the incident and their loss.
The mom's family said in a statement released earlier today (April 14): "[We are] reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all-round outstanding human and so much more.
Advert
"We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl."
Good's daughter is reportedly still in hospital, having undergone surgery overnight.
The family added: "We are so grateful for the expert care and attention of the medical team at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
"We would also like to thank the New South Wales Police for their kindness and diligence in this tragedy and emergency services for getting our baby the care she needed as quickly as possible.
Advert
"To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not - words cannot express our gratitude."
Health Minister Ryan Park told ABC News the child is 'in critical condition and is in the ICU'.
He added: "Now, we certainly are hoping that she gets through this but there is a long way to go."
Advert
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Poppy Bilderbeck