Donald Trump hails third Westminster terror attack victim as a 'great American'
Kurt Cochran is named as the third victim of the London terror attack, as tributes are paid to "wonderful" mother Aysha Frade.
Thursday 23 March 2017 21:27, UK
President Donald Trump has paid tribute to the third victim of the Westminster terror attack, US citizen Kurt Cochran.
Mr Cochran was visiting London from his native Utah as part of his wedding anniversary celebrations with his wife of 25 years Melissa.
The couple, who had been travelling in Europe, were on the last day of their trip and were due to return to the US on Thursday.
They were also visiting Mrs Payne-Cochran's parents, who are Mormon missionaries in London.
Mr Trump tweeted a tribute to Mr Cochran, calling him a "great American".
A family statement from Mr Cochran's brother-in-law, Clint Payne, said: "Our family is heartbroken to learn of the death of our brother- and 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 sister and daughter, 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."
His sister-in-law Shantell Payne also posted a tribute to Mr Cochran on Facebook.
She wrote: "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. We love you Kurt. RIP.
"Melissa Payne Cochran is in the hospital with a broken leg, rib and a cut on her head but will recover from her injuries. Sending all the love to her for a quick recovery."
Tributes have also been paid to "wonderful" mother-of-two and "loved" teacher Aysha Frade, the second confirmed victim.
The 43-year-old was on her way to pick up her two daughters, aged 11 and eight, from school when she was hit by Khalid Masood's car on Westminster Bridge.
Mrs Frade, a language teacher, was born in Britain and had lived in London her entire life, but her mother was born in Betanzos, near the Galician city of La Coruna in north Spain, and her father was of Cypriot origin.
The family is well known in La Coruna as her two sisters run a large English language academy in Bentanzos.
Mrs Frade worked in the administration team at DLD College London, just a few hundred metres from Westminster Bridge.
Paying tribute, principal Rachel Borland said she was "a highly regarded and loved member of staff" who would be "deeply missed" by everyone at the college.
Mrs Frade's family in Spain are making their way to London and are expected to arrive later. A minute's silence was held in Bentanzos in her memory on Thursday.
Vigi Sawdon, a former neighbour of Mrs Frade in Notting Hill, said: "If you can imagine one of the most upstanding members of society, that was her.
"She was just a wonderful mother and a lovely person."