Burdekin Shire Mayor Lyn McLaughlin has offered her deepest sympathies to the family of British backpacker hero Thomas Jackson who passed away today.
Tom Jackson, 30, had been clinging to life in Townsville Hospital since he was allegedly attacked by Frenchman Smail Ayad in a Queensland backpacker hostel last Tuesday night.
Mr Jackson's father, Les, flew from England to be by his side but on Tuesday police confirmed he had become the second victim of the shocking alleged attack.
Mr Jackson was allegedly stabbed repeatedly after he rushed to the aid of Mia Ayliffe-Chung as she bled to death in the hostel bathroom.
Ms Ayliffe-Chung, 21, died at the scene.
Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said it was an extremely sad time for the Burdekin community.
“I would respectfully ask the media to be sensitive to what these young people are going through as they have now tragically lost two friends,” she said.
“We will continue support the backpackers and our community through this terribly sad time and the Red Cross will continue to be on site to help with recovery.”
Council will hold a Community Meeting for Home Hill residents at the Burdekin Memorial Hall, Home Hill, tomorrow at 5.30pm.
This meeting will be addressed by the Mayor, Queensland Police and Red Cross.
Police said they would upgrade charges against Mr Ayad in his next scheduled court appearance, on October 28.