LONDON—The family of an American tourist who was slain in last week’s terror attack in London expressed gratitude on March 27 for the kindness of strangers, and offered hope and resolve that some good would result from the tragedy.
Kurt W. Cochran, 54, of Utah, was on the last day of a European trip celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary, when a man in an SUV mowed down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, then fatally stabbed a police officer on the grounds of Parliament. In total, the assailant killed four people and injured close to 30.
Cochran’s wife, Melissa, who was with him on the bridge, suffered a broken leg and rib, and a cut on her head.
“This has been a humbling and difficult experience, but we’ve felt the love of so many people during these past several days,” said Melissa Cochran’s brother, Clint Payne.
The attacker, Khalid Masood, was shot dead by police after his deadly rampage, which police said lasted just 82 seconds. Authorities believe Masood—a 52-year-old Briton with convictions for violence who had spent several years in Saudi Arabia—acted alone.
As police worked to uncover Masood’s possible motives, the families of the dead and injured started the long process of healing.
