Backpacker hero Tom Jackson has died in hospital.

Tom Jackson, the British man hailed as a hero for his actions during the August 23 knife attack at a Queensland hostel, has tragically died in hospital.

Mr Jackson was critically injured while trying to save Mia Ayliffe-Chung who was also killed during a frenzied stabbing at Shelly’s Backpackers, Home Hill, south of Townsville in Far North Queensland.

In a statement this afternoon, Queensland Police said: “Police can confirm 30-year-old British man Thomas Jackson, critically injured in an alleged knife attack at Home Hill on August 23, has today passed away in the Townsville Hospital.”

The freelance journalist was stabbed in the face, head and torso, reportedly while coming to the aid of Ayliffe-Chung, a fellow British traveller who was fatally wounded in the attack.

French national Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with murder and attempted murder over the stabbings, however detectives now plan to
upgrade the charges in the wake of Jackson’s death.

Ayad is next due to face Townsville Magistrates Court on October 28.

Read: “Don’t remember Mia’s murderer. Remember the man who tried to save her.”

Thomas Jackson’s father, Les, flew from England late last week to be by his son’s side in hospital. In a statement issued over the weekend, he said the entire Jackson family is immensely proud of Thomas’ actions.

“There are many and varied reasons why we are, and always will be, immensely proud of Tom. His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride,” he said.

Queensland Police this afternoon issued a Tweet on behalf of the Jacsons: “The family of Thomas have told us that while they appreciate the support, they don’t wish to speak to the media.”