Hero Brit who tried to save backpacker's life dies
Video report by ITV News' Correspondent Ben Chapman
A British man who tried to save fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung as she was stabbed in an Australian hostel has died.
Thomas Jackson, 30, from Cheshire, suffered severe head injuries after being repeatedly stabbed in the attack in Queensland on August 23.
Ms Ayliffe-Chung, 21, from Derbyshire, died at the scene.
A Queensland Police spokesman said: "Police can confirm 30-year-old British man Thomas Jackson, critically injured in an alleged knife attack at Home Hill on August 23, has today passed away in the Townsville Hospital."
Speaking at the time, Mr Jackson's family they were "immensely proud" of him after he tried to save Ms Ayliffe-Chung's life.
After his death, his father Les Jackson said: "We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful.
"There is dark and evil in this world perpetrated by a few, but so much more love and light emanates from so many more. That thought will sustain us over the coming days."
His mother Sandra Jackson has released a statement saying: "My Tom, Dan and Liv are my everything and with Tom's passing he has taken a piece of my heart with him.
"I will be forever grateful to have had this beautiful, unique soul in my life for the last 30 years. In the days since the incident we have been astounded at the message of support, the prayers and the love we have received.
"Tom has touched so many people's lives and this will have left many hearts broken."
His brother, Daniel, said: "With Tom being my older brother he's always kind of been my hero, so to hear him described as such by the rest of the world over the past several days has just felt like everyone else catching up with me.
"Tom's love was endless, he was a real gift, not just to his friends and family but to anyone he came across, we are all poorer for his absence."
Tributes have also been paid to Tom by his friends, including Rachel Edwards who spoke to ITV News and said he was an "incredible person".
Tom's sister, Liv, wrote on Facebook: "Today it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to say goodbye to my wonderful big brother, Tom.
"Indescribably proud of everything you accomplished and the lives you touched. I will love you always and forever."
A Youcaring fundraising page set up to help Tom's family has raised more than £1,300 of a £5,000 target with all donations going to Mr Jackson's parents.
Frenchman Smail Ayad has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of serious animal cruelty and 12 counts of serious assault.
Detectives are expected to upgrade the attempted murder charge when Ayad next appears in court on October 28.
Police are investigating reports that he had an "obsession" with Miss Ayliffe-Chung.