Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing: Mum-of-two stabbed to death by Joel Cauchi spent her final hours having coffee with a friend
A friend of Pikria Darchia – one of the women killed in the Westfield Bondi Junction attack – has revealed how she spent her final hours.
Nicole Mikhailidi told 7News she caught up with artist Ms Darchia, 55, for coffee just hours before the twisted Joel Cauchi stabbed six people to death in the crowded mall on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s crazy to think that we said goodbye and that was the last time we would ever see her,” Ms Mikhailidi said.
‘When I think about what she must have experienced in those moments… that horrible fear and helplessness. It really makes me sick.’
Pikria Darchia was killed during the attack on Westfield Bondi Junction
Mother-of-two Ms Darchia, from Maroubra in Sydney’s east, was one of five women killed by Cauchi during his knife rampage.
She was originally from Tbilisi, Georgia and had two sons.
Here’s what we know about the other victims.
Ashley Good, 38
Dr. Ashlee Good, 38, was a trained osteopath and first-time mother to her daughter Harriet
Dr. Ashlee Good, 38, was a trained osteopath and first-time mother. She is the daughter of former North Melbourne AFL player and board member Kerry Good.
She died on Saturday evening at St Vincents Hospital after being stabbed by Cauchi as she tried to protect her nine-month-old baby Harriet from the attacker.
The dying mother threw her baby girl into the arms of two strangers and begged them to help the little girl.
She was rushed to hospital in critical condition for emergency surgery.
Harriet was moved from intensive care to a normal pediatric ward on Tuesday evening, a sign that she is recovering.
Dawn Singleton, 25
Dawn Singleton was the daughter of multimillionaire advertising guru John Singleton and lawyer Julie Martin. She worked in e-commerce for White Fox Boutique
In a cruel twist of fate, her NSW police officer fiance Ashley Wildey responded to the incident, unaware that his childhood sweetheart was a victim (the couple is pictured)
Dawn Singleton was the 25-year-old daughter of multimillionaire advertising guru John Singleton and lawyer Julie Martin.
Her father, a racing enthusiast, named his prized racehorse filly “Dawnie Perfect” after his daughter.
Ms Singleton had worked in e-commerce for fashion brand White Fox Boutique and attended the Kambala Church of England girls’ school.
She had only arrived at Westfield Bondi Junction for 15 minutes before she was attacked while shopping in Chanel for make-up for her upcoming wedding.
In a cruel twist of fate, her NSW police officer fiancée Ashley Wildey responded to the incident unaware that his childhood sweetheart was a victim.
2GB presenter Ray Hadley revealed on Monday that he had broken the devastating news that Dawn had been killed to Mr Singleton.
Hadley, who has been friends with the Singleton family for 30 years, said he had confirmed her name to NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
He revealed that Mrs Singleton had paid a deposit for her wedding dress on Friday. She had also started sending save-the-dates to her friends and family.
Jade Young, 47
Jade Young was a 47-year-old Sydney architect and mother of two who grew up in Wollongong
Jade Young was a 47-year-old Sydney architect and mother of two who grew up in Wollongong in the Illawarra region of NSW.
She was a member of the Bronte Surf Club in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, which canceled their drinks on Sunday after the attack.
“This has been and will continue to be a difficult time for the community,” the club said on Facebook.
“We are here to support the community, and our sincere condolences go out to all those affected.”
Yixuan Cheng, 27
Yixuan Cheng, 27, studied economics at the University of Sydney and was named as the sixth stabbing victim on Monday
Yixuan Cheng, 27, studied economics at the University of Sydney.
Ms Cheng’s parents told Chinese media that their daughter was on the phone with her fiancé, who lives in China, minutes before the tragedy.
She was shopping on the fourth floor of the mall and sent her boyfriend photos of herself trying on clothes.
After ending the call to his girlfriend, her friend saw the news about the stabbing in Sydney.
He immediately called her again, but Mrs. Cheng did not answer. He planned to marry her after she graduated this year.
Wang Chunsheng, acting consul general of China in Sydney, said he was “very sorry” to hear about the incident and that the consulate was in contact with her family.
Faraz Tahir, 30
Faraz Tahir was fatally stabbed on his first day as a security guard at Westfield Bondi Junction when he allegedly tried to stop Cauchi mid-ramp
Faraz Tahir was fatally stabbed on his first day as a security guard at Westfield Bondi Junction when he allegedly tried to stop Cauchi mid-ramp.
Mr Tahir arrived in Australia as a refugee after fleeing his home country of Pakistan.
He was a beloved member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia and participated in charitable efforts for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization.
“He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness,” the group said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones at this difficult time and with the victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Elliott Rusanow, CEO of Scentre Group, said: “We are devastated by Faraz’s passing and recognize our team member’s bravery and role as a first responder.
“Another member of our security team was injured and remains in hospital.”