Family of US tourist killed in Westminster terror attack say they have no negative feelings towards his killer
THE family of a US tourist mowed down on Westminster Bridge as he celebrated his wedding anniversary said they have no negative feelings towards his killer.
Kurt Cochran's family told reporters that the husband and father had no ill feelings towards anyone, so neither would they, during a news conference at New Scotland Yard in London today.
Family spokesman Clint Payne said: "We know that Kurt wouldn't bear ill feelings towards anyone and we can draw strength as a family from that.
"His whole life was an example of focusing on the positive. Not pretending that negative things don't exist but not living our life in the negative - that's what we choose to do."
The family said they had been through a "humbling and difficult experience", but have "felt the love of so many people" in the days since the attack.
Kurt and Melissa Cochran, from Utah, were on the final day of a trip to London to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary when they were caught up in the carnage on Wednesday.
The couple were mowed down on Westminster Bridge by a car driven by Khalid Masood, who killed four people in his rampage before being shot dead in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster by armed police.
Mr Cochran, 54, died, while his wife was left with a broken leg and rib as well as a cut head.
Kurt's family said: "Our family is so grateful for the first responders, the medical personnel, the assistance of government agencies in the United States and Great Britain along with the generosity and assistance of Delta Airlines in arranging for our travel to and from London.
"So many people have been so kind, and we are deeply touched by their goodness and generosity. Your notes, prayers, donations and love have helped us so much.
"The most difficult part of all of this is that Kurt is no longer with us, and we miss him terribly. He was an amazing individual who loved everyone and tried to make the world a better place.
"He left a legacy of generosity and service that continues to inspire us.
"We are deeply saddened to lose him but are grateful that the world is coming to know him and be inspired by him. Thank you for your many stories that have touched our family and helped us remember and celebrate his life."
Last week Mr Cochran was remembered as a "great American" by US President Donald Trump.
Also killed in the attack were hero PC Keith Palmer, mum-of-two Aysha Frade and 75-year-old Leslie Rhodes.
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In the aftermath of Wednesday's atrocity devastated friends paid tribute to Kurt, with pal Shantell Payne writing: "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."
It is believed that Kurt, from Utah, had been knocked off Westminster Bridge and onto a concrete underpass below.
He had been travelling through Europe, most recently visiting Germany, Ireland and Scotland according to his Facebook page.
Photographs taken in the devastating aftermath of the attack showed witnesses desperately trying to help the couple, with mum-of-two Aysha Frade also named as a victim who did not survive the attack.
Prime Minister Theresa May has condemned the “sick and depraved” Westminster terror attack that hit the “heart of London”.
Speaking outside Downing Street, she offered her condolences to the victims and their families after a knifeman went on a rampage outside Parliament, killing at least four and injuring others.
The terrorist Khalid Masood was killed by armed cops during the attack, with police having made a series of arrests as investigations continue.
Police insisted the attacker was a "lone wolf", with authorities admitting they had previously investigated him.
Senior counter-terrorism officer Neil Basu said: "We must all accept that there is a possibility we will never understand why he did this.
"That understanding may have died with him."
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