The daughter of a past captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews has been named as one of the victims of the Sydney cafe siege tragedy.
Katrina Dawson, a 38-year-old mother of three, has been hailed for her courage after unconfirmed reports that she and Tori Johnson, the 34-year-old manager of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe, died while trying to save their fellow captives from hostage-taker Man Haron Monis.
Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher said at a memorial service attended by hundreds of people at St Mary’s Cathedral that Mr Johnson had reportedly brought the siege to a head by grabbing Monis’ shotgun. Monis was killed as police stormed the cafe to end the siege.
“Apparently seeing an opportunity, Tori grabbed the gun. Tragically, it went off, killing him. But it triggered the response of police and eventual freedom for most of the hostages,” Mr Fisher said.
“Reports have also emerged that Katrina Dawson was shielding her pregnant friend from gunfire. These heroes were willing to lay down their lives so others might live.”
Ms Dawson was the daughter of ex-R&A captain Sandy Dawson, an Australian businessmanwho recently completed his year in the role.
A spokesman for the R&A said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the news that Katrina Dawson, the daughter of the club’s immediate past Captain Sandy Dawson, was killed in the Sydney caf siege.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Sandy and his family at this extremely difficult time.”
Legal colleagues have paid tribute to Ms Dawson as “one of our best and brightest”.For more, see Wednesday’s CourierAndrew Powell, head of the Ascham School, which she attended in her youth, said she was a well-respected and giving woman who excelled at her studies. Her daughter Chloe is a student at the school and Sasha will be attending next year.
Ms Dawson was the school’s debating captain and played hockey and basketball. After she became a lawyer, she helped teach senior students at her former school how to prepare for mock trials.
Mr Johnson was remembered as a selfless man who put others first.
“By nature he was a perfectionist and he had a genuine passion for the hospitality industry and people,” Lindt Australia CEO Steve Loane said in a statement. “His loss is absolutely tragic.”
His parents issued a brief statement, thanking the public for their support.
“We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for,” they said.