The family of a woman killed trying to save her baby during a man's deadly stabbing spree at Westfield Bondi says they have been left "reeling" from the loss.
Ashlee Good, 38, was one of six people killed when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi rampaged through the shopping centre in Sydney's east yesterday afternoon.
The knife-wielding attacker was shot dead by a lone police officer.
READ MORE: 'She showed enormous courage and bravery': Police officer's actions praised
Good's family released a statement this morning.
"Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more," they said.
"We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl."
The family was "struggling to come to terms" with the tragedy, but thanked police and health personnel for their service.
"To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not – words cannot express our gratitude," the statement read.
It's understood Good was walking through the centre with her baby in a pram when they were caught up in the attack.
The man is believed to have stabbed the baby first, before fatally wounding Good.
Two brothers who were at the centre described how one of the wounded mum's last actions was to try to save her child's life by trusting the baby to them.
READ MORE: Prime Minister says shopping centre attack 'horrific act of violence'
"The baby got stabbed," the two men told 9News.
"The mum got stabbed and the mum came over with the baby and threw it at me and (I) was holding the baby," he said.
Other witness said they were trying to compress both the mum and baby's wounds to stem the bleeding until help arrived.
READ MORE: Video emerges of shopper confronting armed man with bollard at Bondi Westfield
"There's a lot of blood on the floor… I hope the baby is alright," they said.
Good was taken to hospital, but later died.
Her child underwent surgery overnight, and was last said to be in a serious but stable condition.
Good's friend Andrew Reid, who was also at the shopping centre during the attack but was unaware at first that she was, said Good was "the most beautiful person you've ever met".
"Never said a bad word about anyone, always, you know, light the room up with a smile," he told Today.
"She'd come to run group at 5am and she was the happiest person there, you know, and loved her training, loved her running. And just, like I said, wanted to be a mum."
Reid, who has first-aid training, aided some of the wounded before a friend texted him to say that Good might have been one of the victims.
"From what I've heard, she handed her baby to people and said, please get her help. And she was obviously in a bad way herself," Reid said.
"It just goes to show what an incredible human she is."
He said friends and loved ones would come together to support Good's husband and "wrap their arms" around him.
An online fundraiser has also been launched, which has already raised more than $5000 in just two hours, of a $100,000 goal.
"Our hearts are broken beyond comprehension this morning," organiser Steven Foxwell wrote.
"The events that took place in Bondi yesterday are just unthinkable.
"It has shaken not just our community but the world.
"And the devastating news that we lost our beautiful friend Ash Good.
"Her amazing soul and light captured the hearts of so many of us."
Foxwell said Good had been "heroic" in her final moments.
What we know so far
- Six people have been killed in a mass stabbing attack at Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
- The man, suspected to be a 40-year-old male known to police, was shot dead by a lone officer at the scene. Police do not believe he acted "with ideation".
- Eight people have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the attack just after 3pm.
- A baby and a mother were among those stabbed. The mother, a 38-year-old woman, has since died of her injuries. The baby continues to receive treatment.
- Video appears to show a man wearing a rugby league jersey holding a knife as shoppers flee.
- Mobile phone footage shows crowds within stairwells, with other shoppers saying they were evacuated to the roof
- Shoppers helped victims as others cowered in shops for up to two hours.
- The attacker acted alone and there is no ongoing threat.
If you're struggling, know that help is available 24/7.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
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13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.
MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
