LONDON — An American tourist from Utah, US has been named as the second civilian killed in the attack on the capital on Wednesday.
The announcement of Kurt Cochran's death first came from a Facebook post by a user called Shantell Payne, who said he was killed during the terror attack. Both Cochran and his wife Melissa were tagged in the post. It said:
"With a heavy heart I must pass the sad news of our beautiful brother, father, husband, son and friend Kurt Cochran, he could not overcome the injuries he received in the London terror attacks. This pain is so heart wrenching and raw it has rocked our family and all that knew him to its core.
"We will miss Kurt beyond words. We love you Kurt. RIP. Melissa Payne Cochran is in the hospital with a broken leg, rib and a cut on her head but will recover from her injuries. Sending all the love to her for a quick recovery.
Here is the post in full:
It is not clear what relationship Payne had with the Cochrans.
NBC later confirmed with his family that Cochran was in Europe with his wife to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. NBC then confirmed his death and released a statement from the family:
—Alexander Smith (@AlexSmithNBC) March 23, 2017
US President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences to the family:
—Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2017
The news is yet to be confirmed by British authorities.
Around 2.30 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, a lone assailant mowed down dozens of pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in a 4X4 car, before killing a police officer with a knife in the grounds of Parliament.
Four people, including PC Keith Palmer who was 48-year-old husband and father with 15 years' service, died. The first civilian victim was identified as Aysha Frade, a 43-year-old year mother of two.
At least 40 were injured in what is being treated as a terror attack in Westminster, London.
The suspect, who is yet to be named, was shot dead by police. The attacker was described by witnesses as Asian and in his forties.
