Tom Jackson, hero Brit backpacker who tried to save Mia Ayliffe-Chung, dies in hospital

A HEROIC British backpacker who attempted to save the life of a young woman in a hostel stabbing frenzy has died in hospital.

Tom Jackson died in hospital on Tuesday.

A HEROIC British backpacker who attempted to save the life of a young woman in a hostel stabbing frenzy last week has died in hospital.

Tom Jackson, 30, suffered more than 20 stab wounds to the face, head and torso as he tried to shield Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, from a vicious attack at Shelley’s Backpackers, in Home Hill, south of Townsville last Tuesday night.

We're very sad to confirm that Thomas Jackson, the British man who was injured in #HomeHill last week, died in hospital a short time ago.

— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) August 30, 2016

French national Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s murder, along with the attempted murder of Mr Jackson and another man.

One charge of attempted murder will now be upgraded to murder in the wake of Mr Jackson’s death.

Tom Jackson succumbed to his injuries in Townsville Hospital a week after the hostel attack.

Witnesses said Mr Jackson attempted to shield Ms Ayliffe-Chung from the frenzied attack only to be stabbed himself in the hostel bathroom.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung died at the scene of multiple stab wounds.

Mr Jackson had been on life support in Townsville Hospital since being rushed there by paramedics in the early hours of Wednesday.

Mia Ayliffe-Chung died at the scene.

His father, Les, who flew out from the UK to hold vigil by his son’s bedside, released a statement at the weekend saying he was “immensely proud” of his “hero” son.

“His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride,” Mr Jackson said.

“As a family we have been comforted by the help and support offered by our friends and family at home and in Australia who have been wonderful.

“As Tom’s dad here in Townsville that comfort and many offers of support and friendship has been given by the Townsville community.

“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.

Tom Jackson's father Les Jackson arrives at Townsville airport last week.

“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.

“Finally, and most importantly, our hearts go out to Mia and her family and friends at this dreadful time.”

Smail Ayad is accused of killing Brit Mia Ayliffe-Chung and Tom Jackson.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s mother Rosie Ayliffe said on Tuesday her daughter would be farewelled at a multi-faith ceremony after she was cremated and her ashes spread across different parts of the globe to the young traveller could, “Visit places she never got to visit”.

Queensland Police Service urged members of the media to respect the privacy of Mr Jackson’s family, as they came to terms with the young traveller’s death.

The family of Thomas have told us that while they appreciate the support, they don't wish to speak to the media. @ukinaustralia #HomeHill

— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) August 30, 2016

Investigators initially thought the stabbing attack, which hostel owner John Norris said lasted hours, could be motivated by extremism.

Ayad was allegedly heard to repeatedly yell “Allahu Akbar” during the alleged stabbings, and again when police came to arrest him.

However, in the intervening days police all but ruled out the French Muslim had been radicalised.

Police allege the 29-year-old had developed a romantic infatuation with Ms Ayliffe-Chung in the short time he had known her but his feelings were not reciprocated.

A trigger for the vicious attack is still yet to be determined.

Witnesses reported Ayad had smoked cannabis on the night of the alleged stabbing frenzy, but drug testing to determine if he had consumed any other illicit drugs is still yet to be concluded.

In addition to the now two murder charges he faces and the attempted murder charge, Ayad also faces a charge of animal cruelty stemming from allegations he chased down and slaughtered a pet German Shepherd dog that belonged to the hostel owners after attacking Ms Ayliffe-Chung.

He also faces 12 assault charges, all stemming from his time in custody, where he is alleged to have punched, kicked and bitten police officers, who, on one occasion, were forced to try to subdue him with capsicum spray and a taser.

Police deemed him too dangerous to appear in court to face the charges at his first hearing last week, and Channel Nine television crews captured him being transferred from the Townsville watch house wearing a spit hood.