It has been confirmed that 7-year-old Australian boy, Julian Cadman, was killed during the Barcelona terrorist attack on Thursday.
Julian’s father flew from Australia to Barcelona in the hopes of finding his son. Upon arrival, Cadman was taken to a police forensics center where the attack victims are being identified. Cadman identified his son among the victims and has since been offered psychological support.
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Julian was strolling along the crowded La Rambla pedestrian mall with his mother, Jumarie ‘Jom’ Cadman, when the terrorist van plowed through and separated them. Jom sustained serious injuries to her spine, legs, and face during the attack, and was rushed to hospital.
Cadman is now with his wife as she recovers in Barcelona’s Vell d’Hebron Hospital. Extended family have been informed that she is doing “really well”, according to ABC.
“Julian was a much loved and adored member of our family,” Cadman told the press. “As he was enjoying the sights of Barcelona with his mother, Julian was sadly taken from us. He was so energetic, funny and cheeky, always bringing a smile to our faces. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives and will remember his smiles and hold his memory dear to our hearts.”
Jom, originally from the Philippines, brought her son to Barcelona for her niece’s wedding, reported ABC.
Cadman was in Australia at the time of the attack. He heard about the attack from the radio at 6 a.m. on Friday morning, Aug 18. Cadman tried to call his wife, and when he couldn’t get through, he became concerned and contacted Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Cadman found out that his wife had been admitted to hospital in a critical condition. He then took a flight that night in the hopes of finding his missing son.
“We would like to thank all those who helped us in searching for Julian,” Cadman added, “Your kindness was incredible during a difficult time. We also acknowledge we are not the only family to be affected by the events, our prayers and thoughts are with all people affected.”
Julian was born in the U.K. The family moved to Australia three years ago.
A three-year-old child was also taken by the tragedy. He died next to his mother.
The death toll of the Las Ramblas attack stands at 13, with more than 130 injured.
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King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain visits a victim of an Aug. 17 terrorist attack at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain on Aug. 19, 2017. (Casa de S.M. el Rey de Espana via Getty Images)
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed that one American was killed and another injured. In total, those affected are from 34 countries including France, Germany, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
The attacks have now been linked to a Morrocan terror cell. The authorities are still investigating.