London attack: Australian woman Sara Zelenak was killed in Borough Market, mother confirms
Au pair is one of two Australians murdered in London Bridge attack, country's foreign minister confirms
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Australian woman who was thought to be missing following the London Bridge terror attack was killed in the atrocity after avoiding two other terror attacks, her mother has revealed.
Sara Zelenak's mother, Julie Wallace, said DNA tests had confirmed her daughter was among those murdered when three men drove a van into pedestrians before stabbing passers-by.
The 21-year-old nanny, from Brisbane, had become separated from her friends as they left the London Grind bar near the bridge when the attack happened.
According to Ms Wallace, her daughter had been at Westminster Bridge the day before Khalid Masood ploughed through pedestrians there in March, and had planned to go to the Manchester Ariana Grande concert on 22 May, Australian radio station 97.3FM reported.
Ms Zelenak's family and friends paid tribute online.
Her father, Mark Wallace, shared a video of his daughter and wrote: “I really miss that funny little laugh.”
Friend Elle Bishop said on Facebook: "I find solace in the fact that the hate that saw you taken from us, you have never felt inside, making you a remarkable young woman."
Ms Zelenak's aunt said on Facebook: "We are all so distraught to have lost our little Sara. She is the most beautiful, happy, positive young lady with so much to live for. Her heart and spirit will live on in all of us."
Ms Zelenak had not been seen since the attack after she became separated from friends on Saturday night.
Two Australians were confirmed among the dead by the country's minister for foreign affairs, Julie Bishop.
Later on Wednesday the Metropolitan Police confirmed Ms Zelenak's death and released a statement on behalf of her family.
It said: "We are deeply saddened at the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter and sister of Harrison and Scott. Sara's family and friends are devastated. We would like to thank our friends and family who are helping us through this very difficult time."
Additional reporting by agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments