Family of stabbed Coles worker breaks silence after horrific attack

There’s been an update on the condition of the woman allegedly stabbed by a teenager while working at a Coles supermarket.

The family of the woman allegedly stabbed while working at Coles are in a “state of shock” and have issued an encouraging statement about the 63-year-old’s condition.

Mother-of-two Claudia Campomayor Watt, 63, was stocking the fridge at the back of a Coles supermarket in Yamanto Central in Ipswich shortly before 5.30pm on Monday when she was allegedly stabbed in the back with a large knife.

Claudia Campomayor Watt was allegedly stabbed at Coles by a 13-year-old boy. Picture: Facebook

It’s alleged a 13-year-old boy – who has since been arrested and charged with attempted murder – took a knife from the Coles supermarket and stabbed Ms Watt in the back.

It’s alleged the attack was random and he acted alone.

Following the horrific incident, Ms Watt was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.

It’s alleged the knife was punctured through the woman’s back with such force that it emerged on the other side of her abdomen and was still embedded while she was transported to hospital.

In a statement shared by Ms Watt’s family, the mother of two is no longer in intensive care and being sedated.

“On Monday afternoon January 13, our family received the devastating news that Claudia had received life-threatening injuries after being attacked with a knife while at work,” the statement read.

“The incident has left us is a state of shock and we remain in the process of trying to come to terms with what has happened.

“At this time, we can confirm that she is out of ICU and off sedation, and we have been able to speak with her.”

The stabbing has rocked the nation. Picture: NewsWire

Ms Watt’s family extended their thanks to those who “helped save (Ms Watt’s) life”.

“To the first responders on scene that provided crucial medical attention, we thank you,” the family said.

“To the specialists, doctors, nurses and their team who have continued to provide expert medical care we are extremely grateful.

“We would also like to acknowledge and thank those members of the public who acted quickly to assist in the apprehension of the offender.”

Ms Watt’s family also extended their gratitude to the “wider community who have sent well wishes, prayers and support”.

“All these things make a difference,” they said.

“We still have a long journey ahead of us but thankfully Claudia is now on the road to recovery.”

The mother of two is out of intensive care. Picture: Facebook

Police believe the 13-year-old was walking between Ripley and Yamanto along the highway between 1pm and 2.30pm.

Hours later, it’s alleged the teenager stabbed Ms Watt while she was stacking shelves with a knife taken from the Coles supermarket.

Coles has since confirmed it would remove all kitchen knives off the shelves following the alleged attack.
The 13-year-old faced Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday morning and did not apply for bail. He is remanded in custody.