Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson killed in Martin Place siege

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This was published 9 years ago

Lindt cafe manager Tori Johnson killed in Martin Place siege

By Nick Ralston
Updated

The manager of the Lindt Chocolat Cafe was one of two people killed during Monday's siege in Martin Place.

Tori Johnson, 34, of Redfern, died in hospital after being shot inside the cafe that he had run for two years.

He is the son of acclaimed Australian artist Ken Johnson and his former wife Rowena.

Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson was the other hostage who died.

Tori Johnson was killed in the siege in Martin Place.

Tori Johnson was killed in the siege in Martin Place.

Deputy Police Commissioner Catherine Burn would not comment on Tuesday about claims that Mr Johnson was shot when he tried to wrestle the weapon from Monis, to allow the other hostages to escape.

Ms Burn said police were yet to piece together what had transpired in the cafe and that investigation could take many months.

Mr Johnson had worked at the Lindt cafe since October 2012, and, before that, had worked at a host of restaurants in Sydney and the US.

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His family has gathered at the 34-year-old's Redfern apartment as his brother James flies to Sydney from Canada.

The cafe manager was also in a long-term relationship with his partner of 14 years, Thomas Zinn.

It is understood Mr Zinn is being comforted along with the Johnsons at the couple's home.

Friends of Mr Johnson described him on Tuesday as "a loving, placid and very gentle soul ... a true gentleman".

Parents' statement

Mr Johnson's parents released a statement via journalist Ben Fordham, saying: "We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for.

"We feel heartfelt sorrow for the family of Katrina Dawson.

"We'd like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers.

"Our deepest gratitude to the NSW police, armed forces and paramedics for their tireless efforts.

"We ask that the media respects our privacy in this difficult time.

"Let us all pray for peace on earth."

Co-workers' tributes

Lindt cafe worker Harriette Denny, 30, was one of the hostages who ran for their lives. She told her father, Robert Denny, that she was devastated about the loss of Mr Johnson.

"I spoke very briefly with Harriette this morning, just asking after her welfare," Mr Denny said.

"We didn't speak about her ordeal. We just wanted to know she was safe and unharmed. She said that she's safe and well and in a good place, but terribly upset that she's lost her manager and friend [Tori Johnson]."

One of Mr Johnson's former colleagues, Tony Manno, told the ABC he was shattered to hear the news.

"Tori was a great guy, a good guy to be around," said Mr Manno, who had worked with Mr Johnson at Sydney's Adria Rybar & Grill.

"He got on really well with all the staff."

A former waitress at Lindt, Genevieve Collier, posted a tribute to Mr Johnson on Facebook: "R.I.P Tori Johnson, at times we both hated each other, and at other times we'd be hysterically laughing. You gave me so many chances even when I was a little shit eating all the Lindor balls and pretending I was a barista. You had a good heart, and I knew you were in there protecting everyone."

- with Rachel Browne and Andrew Hornery

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