Sydney siege: Victims Katrina Dawson, Tori Johnson hailed as heroes

SYDNEY —  The two hostages killed during the 16-hour siege at the Lindt café in Martin Place in Central Sydney this morning (Dec 16) — Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson — have been hailed as heroes by Australian media and news reports, as new details emerged on what happened inside the café.

Johnson, 34, was the manager of the Lindt café. According to News Corp Australia, he was killed while trying to wrestle the weapon from gunman Man Haron Monis.

Johnson’s parents released a statement via Channel 9 journalist Ben Fordham, calling him “the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for”.

“We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori," the statement read. “We’d like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers."

His employers Lindt Australia also released a statement. CEO Stephen Loane said Johnson had worked for the company since 2012 and that he was “a great ambassador for our company” and his loss is “absolutely tragic”.

"He was a really important part of our management team in Australia and his loss is absolutely tragic," Mr Loane said.

Dawson, 38, on the other hand was reported to have been killed while trying to to defend her pregnant colleague, 35-year-old Julie Taylor. Dawson was a mother of three children aged three, five and eight and a “rising star” at law firm Eighth Floor Selborne Chambers, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

The NSW Bar Association released a statement, saying: “Katrina was one of our best and brightest barristers who will be greatly missed by her colleagues and friends at the NSW Bar.”

A friend of Dawson’s told the Australian Financial Review: “I can’t even believe it is her. Just that face, the dimples, the eyes – she was just unforgettable really.”

“I remember thinking how capable she always seemed, balancing a career and her kids.”

Dawson's children were informed of the tragic outcome earlier today, The Australian reports.

Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

New South Wales Deputy Police Commissioner Catherine Burn declined to comment on any individual's actions, saying what transpired in the cafe remained under investigation.

"This will all come out in time, no doubt," Ms Burn said. "Can I just say, I think every single one of those hostages, every single one of those victims, acted courageously."

Sources: Sydney Morning Herald, News.com.au, Australian Financial Review, The Australian, AP