American tourist named as third victim of London terror attack

An American man visiting London to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary has been named as the third victim of the yesterday’s terror attack in London.

Kurt Cochran, 54, from Utah, was touring Europe with his wife Melissa, when he was mowed down by a car as he crossed Westminster Bridge. They were scheduled to fly back to the U.S. today.

It is believed that he jumped, or was thrown, from the bridge and onto the steps below.

His wife is in hospital, after suffering a broken leg and rib.

His family issued a statement about the ‘good man and loving husband’ after he was identified as a victim of the atrocity in Westminster.

Clinton Payne, Melissa’s brother, said: ‘Our family is heartbroken to learn of the death of our son-in-law, Kurt W. Cochran, who was a victim of Wednesday’s terrorist attack in London. Kurt was a good man and a loving husband to our daughter and sister, Melissa.

‘They were in Europe to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and were scheduled to return to the United States on Thursday.

‘Melissa also received serious injuries in the attack, and is being cared for in the hospital. We express our gratitude to the emergency and medical personnel who have cared for them and ask for your prayers on behalf of Melissa and our family.

‘Kurt will be greatly missed, and we ask for privacy as our family mourns and as Melissa recovers from her injuries.’

Melissa’s sister shared the news of his death in a post on Facebook, reading: ‘SO, SO SORRY to inform everyone – Kurt has passed away from the injuries he received during the attack in London.

‘My sister, Melissa, has a broken leg, a broken rib, and a cut on her head.

‘While we are glad she survived, our hearts are broken and will never be the same after losing our dear uncle, brother-in-law, father. Kurt, you are a HERO, and we will never forget you.’

A mother on her way to pick up her children from school was also named as a one of the victims.

43-year-old Aysha Frade, a Spanish teacher, was walking across Westminster Bridge when the terrorist, identified as 53-year-old Khalid Masood, ploughed a car into a group of pedestrians. She died of her injuries.

Ms Frade had two daughters aged 8 and 11, and worked at DLD College in London.

The college said: ‘We are all deeply shocked and saddened at the news that one of the victims yesterday was a member of our staff, Aysha Frade.

‘[She was] highly regarded and loved by our students and by her colleagues. She will be deeply missed.’

Spanish newspaper La Voz de Galicia reported that she had always lived in London, where her parents met.

The third victim was Police Constable Keith Palmer, who was killed inside the gates of the Palace of Westminster. He was stabbed by the attacker.

The 48-year-old father was unarmed at the time. He had worked for the Metropolitan Police for 15 years.

Scotland Yard senior anti-terror officer Mark Rowley said: ‘He was someone who left for work today expecting to return home at the end of his shift – and he had every right to expect that would happen.’

The terrorist who carried out the attack was shot dead by police as he tried to attack another police officer.

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