At least 16 people, including one gunman, are dead and 40 others remain in hospital with injuries following the mass shooting
A girl who tragically lost her life in the Bondi Beach shooting yesterday has been identified and fondly remembered by family as a “bright, joyful and spirited child”.
The mass shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach has left at least 16 people dead, including one gunman, and another 40 hospitalised with injuries. The assailants opened fire during a Jewish festival on the beach, with a well-respected British Rabbi and a 10 year old girl among those caught up in the horrific terror attack.
Authorities have labelled the attack a “terrorist incident” and confirmed that a 50 year old gunman is also among the deceased. Police found “several” explosive devices at the beach, suspected to be connected to the dead gunman.
A second attacker, identified by a senior law enforcement official as Naveed Akram, has been injured and is currently under police custody. It was revealed that the attackers were father and son.
Details of the victims tragically killed in the terror incident are beginning to emerge hours after the deadly attack. Among the latest to be identified is a 10 year old girl who was celebrating Hanukkah on the beach, reports the Mirror.
Matilda Poltavchenko, just 10 years old, has been named as the youngest known victim so far. Grieving relatives remembered her as a “bright, joyful and spirited” child.
She was shot while participating in the Hanukkah gathering.
The tragic news of Matilda’s death during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach was confirmed by her aunt Lina on social media. “Yesterday my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach. I don’t know how we survive such grief,” she wrote, as reported by MailOnline.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Matilda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, and had already amassed over $10,000 by Monday morning.
Matilda’s language teacher, Irina Goodhew, who set up the fundraiser, paid tribute to her: “I knew her as a bright, joyful and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her. While celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts.”
She further clarified that “Mailda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, is the beneficiary of this fundraiser. All donations will be transferred directly to her to support the family during this incredibly difficult time. Donations are made in loving memory of Mailda.”
Donations can be made to the GoFundMe page via this link.
