The family of a Westfield security guard who died in the horrific Sydney stabbing massacre saw his body for the first time on what would have been his 31st birthday.
Faraz Tahir, 30, was killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, on April 13 while trying to protect others.
He died along with five women: Ashlee Good, 38; Dawn Singleton, 25 years old; Jade Young, 47 years old; Yixuan Cheng, 27 years old; and Pikria Darchia, 55 years old.
The ordeal only came to an end when Cauchi was finally shot dead by a police officer.
Tahir’s family arrived in Australia from Pakistan on Wednesday, ahead of his funeral on Friday.
Faraz Tahir’s family (pictured) arrived in Australia on Wednesday to see his body for the first time.
Tahir was killed while trying to stop Westfield Bondi Junction knifeman Joel Cauchi from stabbing innocent shoppers.
“Faraz will be deeply missed by the entire family and community,” said his older brother, Muzafar Tahir.
‘Today is his 31st birthday and the family have seen his body for the first time.
“We would like to thank the Australian public for showing love and compassion to a stranger, who became a hero.”
Tahir was working his first day shift as a Westfield security guard when he bravely tried to stop Cauchi’s stabbing spree against innocent shoppers.
He had moved to Australia as a refugee just a year earlier, after fleeing persecution in his home country of Pakistan.
Tahir’s friend Adnan Qadir described him as a man who “puts the interests of others before his own.”
“He had a lot of ambition for his future…just settling in his new country,” he told Sunrise.
“I was hoping to have a stable career and start a family here.
“It’s sad how it all ended.”
The security guard was also a “loved” member of Australia’s Muslim community.
“He quickly became an integral part of our community, known for his unwavering dedication and kindness,” the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia said.
Wednesday should have been Mr Tahir’s 31st birthday, but instead of celebrating, his family saw his body for the first time since he was murdered by Joel Cauchi (pictured).
Tahir will be buried on Friday, following the funeral of fellow victim Jade Young on Tuesday (pictured, flowers left outside the shopping centre)
‘Faraz was not only a valued member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia but also actively contributed to the charitable efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth organisation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faraz’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, as well as all other victims and their families affected by this senseless act of violence.”
Her funeral will follow that of Jade Young, who was buried at a memorial service on Tuesday.
“The loss of Jade Young in the catastrophic attack in Bondi Junction on April 13 has shattered our world,” her family said in a statement.
‘Although we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and the community, Jade’s death has left a huge void in our lives.
“His children were his life and we do not want their death to define his future.”