The aunt of the 10-year-old girl killed in the Bondi terror attack says the youngster was a "beautiful, sweet, happy young girl" and she's struggling to comprehend her death.
The child, named Matilda, was celebrating Hanukkah at the Sydney beach with her six-year-old sister, Summer, and her parents Valentina and Michael, when the attack began.
In total 15 innocent victims died, including Matilda, who was one of scores rushed to hospital in the wake of the atrocity.
Lina, the aunt of the children, said the child’s grandmother told her she had been shot, and at the time they thought it was in the leg.
“I thought she might lose her leg, people can live without legs and I thought I’d push her around in a wheelchair if she needed – whatever happened, we’d look after her,” she told the Daily Mail.
When Lina was later told Matilda had died in hospital, she said she could not comprehend the news.
“I asked her to tell me again and again, I was saying ‘it can’t be, it’s not real’. I still can’t believe it’s real – I’m hoping I will wake up and someone will tell me it isn’t true.”
She said just two weeks ago the family had their last photo together at the Sydney Zoo.
“In that moment, you’re not thinking it’s the last photo but then reality hits,” she told the Daily Mail.
Linda said Matilda was an affectionate and happy kid, who had a lot of friends and enjoyed school.
“I hope it’s never happening again to any family. We’re going through beyond devastation. Matilda was a beautiful, sweet, happy young girl.”
After Matilda’s death, a fundraiser was set up by her language teacher in support of the family. So far, it has raised over $400,000.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the Bondi hero speaks about his decision to confront a gunman, and an arrest after a famed Hollywood director is found dead. (Source: 1News)
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