Devastating Tragedy: Sydney mum killed in Lindt cafe seige

This morning Australia and the World continues to be rocked as news of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe seige unfolds.

The news becomes even more tragic when this morning we learned that one of the hostages that was killed in the gunfire exchange in the final moments of the seige was 38 year old Mum to 3 young children aged between 4 and 10, Katrina Dawson.

This mum was Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson – who yesterday morning would have no doubt got her children organised for their day and then kissed them all as she left for work. None of them were to know that this would be the very last time she looked into their eyes, held them tight or kissed their precious faces.

She then met a work colleague, barrister Julie Taylor, for a coffee at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. It’s been reported her friend was halfway through her pregnancy – both women were then caught up as hostages when the horrific seige began.

It’s also been reported that the children’s father, Paul Smith from law firm King & Wood Mallesons and Katrina’s family prayed the seige would have a positive outcome so had not told any of their children about what was unfolding and the fact that it included their mum.

When she was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital just after 2am this morning, their World changed forever. This morning they would learn that Mummy wasn’t going to be able to come home anymore.

Words can’t describe the tragedy of the situation; a beautiful Mum taken from her family in such horrific circumstances and a family who will forever feel the gaping hole left by the fact that Mummy isn’t there anymore.

There is nothing that can be said or done to ease their pain. This loss will ripple across their lives forever. Time will allow them all to grieve, to process their loss and to (very eventually) begin to move ahead. But life will never be the same. It is just so crushingly heart-breaking that loss like this has to ever occur.

They had everything ahead of them – Christmas, a family holiday with friends, Katrina was an outstanding barrister and had a very successful career ahead of her … they had the rest of their lives.

All we pray is that Katrina now rests in peace and her children and family are enveloped with love, kindness and understanding.

From the thousands of Mouths of Mums mums, we send out our thoughts, love and blessings.

Edit (11.40am 16.12.14) Official news has now been released of the other victim, TORI JOHNSON, the 34 year old Manager of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe. Conflicting reports are coming in as to whether he died from gunfire or a heart attack.

Our hearts go out to Tori’s family today also; the tragic loss of life will forever remain etched in our minds. You can read our report for Tori Johnson and tribute here.

Much love,

Nikki Hills xo

(Founder of MoM and mum of 4)

61 Comments

- - deangunna said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    9:15 pm
Very Sad for all involved and those of these loved ones. Australians are strong and will never let these sadistic freaks win.

- - country chick said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    9:00 pm
So sad. Reminds us all to take a moment in our busy lives and appreciate every day we have, you never know which day is your last. thoughts with her family.

- - jodiev1980 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    6:54 pm
A devastating loss. I will be praying for her family and also for Tori’s family. Such a waste of life.

- - mom59055 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    6:00 pm
worst ever outcome. devastated for the families of katrina & tori.

- - mom71495 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    5:39 pm
This is such a tradgedy. I do not understand why there are such sick and dangerous people in this world who seek only their self satisfaction and have no respect for the lives of others. This young woman has been taken away from her family and husband never to ever be a part of their lives again. They will miss so much of her life with them and that is so devastating. To her husband and children I send my deepest sympathy and as a mother of 4 children I grieve alongside of you, and pray that the God who knows all will pour out his peace and comfort on your lives as you gather up your lives and proceed to mourn the loss of your darling wife and mother. I am so sorry for your loss and it is important to tell those we love and that are around us daily that we love them for we just never know when we will bee seen or heard of again. Gods blessings to you and your little ones.

- - cherz said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    5:27 pm
Heartfelt love, thoughts and hugs and special prayers being sent.

- - meedee said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    5:12 pm
Always remember that you just dont know what each day holds.
Love your children and make sure everyone you care about knows you care.
- mom93821 replied
  
  16 Dec 2014 , 5:49 pm
  Thoughtful, wise and true words.
- - Bonnie-Lee91 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    5:05 pm
BLESSINGS TO ALL xxxx

- - dee lindsay said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    4:41 pm
My heartfelt thoughts, prayers and hugs are to the family, those lovely children of their beautiful mum who tragically lost her life to a scumbag. I blame the courts, he should not have been allowed on the streets. Reading her story saddened me to tears, I feel for husband, children, parents, in-laws and any other family members and friends.
xxx dee

- - mom93821 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:59 pm
Absolutely horrifying and heart breaking.

- - linaianna said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:57 pm
So sad that a thing like this could happen to a innocent person. I feel for family and children for trying to deal with this especially at this time of the year. My heart goes out yo you.

- - youngoldlady said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:49 pm
We never know what is to happen to us each day, we kiss our loved ones goodbye hoping to see them again. This type of thing is bad at any time of the year but as Christmas is seen as a family time it hits hard and the young children grow up without their mum.

- - BellaB said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:46 pm
How very devastating. One report suggested she was trying to protect her pregnant friend, which only makes it worse.

- - mom57808 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:41 pm
MY GOD SO YOUNG,,, RIP BEAUTIFUL LADY

- - mom102977 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:35 pm
My thoughts are with the family. Such a tragedy! So sad the kids lost their mummy and the husband his wife! I hope they will find the strength to live their lives to fullest in spite of this unthinkable tragedy.

- - aliceou said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:28 pm
It’s so said to hear this happened around us.

- - Lov'n'Life said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:15 pm
This just terrible the lovely women lost and now these poor children have to face this world without her

- - mom103936 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    3:12 pm
This is just so so sad. She looked like such a beautiful woman. I really feel for her young children and husband. May they have strength and much support during this terrible time.

- - sanjipanj said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    2:55 pm
There are no words, such a tragedy…

- - mom109463 said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    2:47 pm
My sympathies go out to this family, no children should have to be raised without their mum, it is a tragic event that should never had happened, I hope the family has the strength and support to get through this awful time,