A 30-year-old British national has died from injuries he suffered while trying to protect a fellow backpacker from a vicious stabbing attack at a youth hostel in Queensland, Australia.
Queensland police announced on Tuesday afternoon local time that Thomas Jackson died in Townsville hospital in the state's north, where he was being treated following the August 23 attack.
Fellow British national Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, died last week from multiple stab wounds she suffered at Shelley’s Backpackers in Home Hill, south of Townsville, last week.
Their alleged attacker, 29-year-old Frenchman Smail Ayad, will have an attempted murder charge upgraded to murder when he faces Townsville Magistrates Court on 28 October. He also faces several assault and animal cruelty charges, as well as a murder charge over the death of Ayliffe-Chung.
Jackson's father Les, who had flown from the UK last week to be by his son's side, said he was immensely proud of his son's actions.
"His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride," he said in a statement at the weekend. "Our hearts go out to Mia and her family and friends at this dreadful time."
Les Jackson also thanked Townsville locals for their support.
"As Tom's dad here in Townsville that comfort and many offers of support and friendship has been given by the Townsville community," he said.
"Please don't think I am unappreciative of these kind offers if they appear to be silently ignored. They have not been, but I think you will understand that our sole focus at the moment is entirely on Tom's condition.
"We are in awe of the medical and support staff at the Townsville Hospital who are providing the greatest care Tom could hope to receive and keeping me informed of his ongoing treatment every step of the way."