The first picture of the mother who was among those stabbed and killed by the attacker in Sydney yesterday after he also stabbed her nine month old baby daughter. Ashlee Good – a 38 year old osteopath – died in hospital of multiple wounds and her baby has been undergoing surgery and is in a serious condition.
Six people are now confirmed dead after the attack in Bondi’s Westfield Plaza and some of those wounded are still reported to be in danger. The 40 year old attacker, who hasn’t been identified, was shot dead by a woman police inspector.
The random nature of this appalling incident is especially shocking. Ashlee Good was taking her baby shopping on a beautiful autumn afternoon. And it is heart breaking that her life – and those of the other victims – should have ended in such horrific circumstances.
Grubsheet was enjoying the sunshine with a 10 kilometre walk along the waterfront to and from Balmain. I had just seen one of my sons for lunch when another of my sons – who lives in Bondi – rang me to say that he and others of our family in the area were safe. His partner had been shopping at Westfield a couple of hours before. Phone calls like that were happening all over Sydney as the news spread.
Like millions of people, I have been in a discombobulated state ever since. We just don’t expect this kind of thing to happen in our part of the world. And suddenly, things seem very grim, especially with the news that the Iranians are expected to attack Israel at any time.
A Sunday to remember Ashlee Good and her poor baby and pray for her family and the families of the other victims and those fighting for their lives in hospital. And to reflect on the random and very cruel nature of a great deal of life and the need to live every minute as if it’s the last.
Ashamed says
What a sad sick moment ! Life is so fragile and we have an increase in drug fueled people out there happy to rain horror and pain in our world ! Rest in peace madam and may your family get justice somehow .
Very sad times we are in!
Chairwoman - Council of Vulagi Chiefs says
He attacked mostly innocent unarmed women and children. He back-stepped from a pole holding man on top of the escalator and sidestepped another big guy protecting what looked like his wife and kids. An unaustralian cowardly act while wearing a kangaroo jersey.
Very sad and shocking for the victims and shameful for the perpetrator.
Knife wielding crazy man could be very scary sight. Yet, So many unanswered but familiar questions. Where was the mall security?if known to police, shouldn’t he be tracked?
Wish the pole holder had thrown the pole into his face. Aptly shot by a lone brave policewoman, a woman finally got the bastard.
Meme says
Kudos to the woman police.
The Police in NZ should have done the same to the Australian shooter who killed over 50 people in NZ.
Felt the same tragedy and pain in 1987 in Fiji.
All tragedies are heart breaking for families.
Very sad loss of lives.
Golf Tango says
Looks like one of those god is great shouting murderers now running rampant in Europe.
Graham Davis says
Not so, according to police, who say there is no terrorist connection. But we shall see.
Charles says
Well done police. Saved the state from holding a trial and defence using mental health bs
William+H says
Update: The name & other details of the perpetrator of this crime have just been released by NSW Police – Joel Couchy, a 40 year old man who had recently travelled to NSW from Qld, where he lived. Police have also been advised they were aware he suffered mental issues.
William Hurrey says
Amendment to my earlier post. Some outlets are spelling the perpetrator’s surname as Cauchy.
William Hurrey says
And further as Cauchi
Angry Bird says
Isa, rest in peace to Ashlee and other innocent females and one male killed at the Bondi Junction mall.
A fitting end though for the lunatic misogynist who was dying to meet his Maker, by the police heroine. Bravo!
There was an interesting footage that caught my attention – it was in the mall hallway as the murderer was stalking the frantic shoppers trying to get away, I think the emergency siren was on, some ppl were running but there was a man – a father, who was walking quickly behind his young family (wife and 3 youngsters: 2 girls and a boy), they seemed headed towards the exit when the murderer wielding the knife caught up with them.
The unarmed father turned around to face the murderer and oh boy, he looked so determined to protect his family who kept walking away. It was clear that he said something to the murderer and the murderer pivoted without hesitation to walk in another direction. Wow, that was amazing! I wonder what the brave unarmed father said to the murderer? Would be great if a news reporter interviews him.
It brought to mind the role of fathers in a family. As heads of their families, they play a protective role and I think the family’s well-being (in all its various aspects) flows from this role when it’s performed well and responsibly… Parenting is so critical esp. in these challenging times.