London Bridge attack victim named as Sara Zelenak, 21, after distraught mum says DNA tests confirmed her worst fears
THEY are the victims of terror, the innocent people caught up in the massacre planned by crazed extremists.
Eight people were killed in the London Bridge terror attack on Saturday night, with Australian nanny Sara Zelenak named as just one of those caught up in the stabbing attack.
The 21-year-old, who friends feared had been slow to flee the attackers because of her heels, had not been heard from since the attack on Saturday night.
Tributes have since poured in for the eight named victims,who had come from across the globe to London.
But as police continue their investigations into just what happened on that horrific night, here, we remember the victims.
Sara Zelenak, 21, Australian
Sara Zelenak has been remembered as a “positive, popular” young woman, who “always had a smile on her face.”
The 21-year-old nanny had been at London Bridge on Saturday night, with her family desperately issuing a plea to help find the young woman after not being able to contact her.
But Sara’s mother, Julie Wallace, stated DNA tests had confirmed her daughter was among those killed in the horrific van and knife attack.
She wrote on Facebook: “Sara Zelenak is confirmed dead they found her body and has DNA tests confirmed thank you for all the overwhelming love and support from everyone.”
Sara’s high school, Moreton Bay College, in Queensland, said school members’ “hearts are broken by the loss of Sara”.
It also emerged that Sara had narrowly avoided two other UK terror attacks. Mum Julie said Sara was at the scene of the Westminster attack a day before March’s horror, and had tickets for the Ariana Grande concert.
Kirsty Boden, 28, Australian
Australian health worker Kirsty Boden was confirmed as one of the victims of the London Bridge attack after she bravely ran to help those in the chaos.
The South Australian, who had been living in London, had desperately tried to help those injured but was killed.
Her family has since paid tribute to her, saying: “She was the most outgoing, kind and generous person who loved to help people. Helping people was what she loved to do in her job as a nurse and in her daily life.
“We are so proud of Kirsty’s brave actions which demonstrate how selfless, caring and heroic she was, not only on that night, but throughout all of her life. Kirsty – we love you and we will miss you dearly.”
Alexandre Pigeard, 27, French
The French waiter was slashed in the throat by terrorists as they rampaged through Borough Market.
The 27-year-old, from Colleville-Montgomery, in Normandy, has been remembered as a person who “loved life”.
His friend, Vincent Le Berre, recounted how he managed to escape but Alexandre “did not have a chance.”
Christine Archibald, 30, British Columbian
Chrissy was the first victim of the atrocity to be named.
Her devastated family confirmed she died in her husband-to-be arms after she was hit by the terrorists van on London Bridge.
She has been described as a woman who “believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected”.
The 30-year-old, originally from Castlegar, British Columbia, was in London for the weekend with her fiancé, Tyler Ferguson.
James McMullan, 32, British
James, from Hackney, East London, was named as a victim by his grieving sister Melissa, who said: “Words will never be able to match his essence.”
James was last seen at the Barrowboy and Banker pub on Borough High Street shortly before the attack at 10.08pm.
Breaking down in tears, Melissa confirmed her brother’s bank card had been found on one of the bodies.
She said: “While our pain will never diminish it is important for us all to carry on with our lives in direct opposition to those who would try to destroy us, and remember that hatred is the refuge of small-minded individuals and will only breed more.”
Sebastien Belanger, 36, French
Friends of Sebastien had desperately appealed for help to find the missing Frenchman – but were left heartbroken when it was revealed he was named as the sixth victim.
One friend shared a tribute to victim, writing: “RIP Sebastien Belanger!
“I cant believe you just taken away from us like this… with all your plans soon of traveling the world, now you’re just travelling straight to heaven!
“Its been such a rollercoaster ride working with you; we push, we shout, we argue, at the end we hug and thats why i did respect you big time as a chef!
“Learnt soooo much from you….you left us big wound in our hearts Seb! Gone but never forgotten”.
Xavier Thomas
Frenchman Xavier Thomas was believed to have been thrown into the river during the chaos of the London Bridge terror attack.
Met Police have since confirmed a body was found about three miles away at Limehouse on Tuesday night.
The family of the 45-year-old have been informed, with police saying: “Formal identification has not yet taken place, however Mr. Thomas’ next of kin have been informed of this development.”
