Andreea Cristea is the fifth victim of the Westminster terror attack, police have said.
Cristea, a Romanian national, was visiting London with her boyfriend Andrei Burnaz to celebrate his birthday when Khalid Masood, 52, ploughed his vehicle into a crowd of people on Westminster Bridge.
It is unclear whether she was thrown from the bridge during in the attack or leapt in an attempt to escape the approach of the erratic vehicle.
Cristea, who had been receiving urgent medical care in hospital since the attack, died after life support was withdrawn on Thursday, April 6.
Cristea is pictured with her partner, Andrei Burnaz.
“After fighting for her life for over two weeks, our beloved and irreplaceable Andreea – wonderful daughter, sister, partner, dedicated friend and the most unique and life loving person you can imagine – was cruelly and brutally ripped away from our lives in the most heartless and spiritless way,” Cristea’s family said in a statement.
“She will always be remembered as our shining ray of light that will forever keep on shining in our hearts.”
“Our family, together with Andrei, are deeply touched and eternally grateful for the unimaginable efforts and never-ending dedication provided to her and us by the entire medical personnel of each and every hospital involved. Their kindness and empathy are beyond compare.”
Additionally, the statement announced that a sum of money donated toward her recovery will instead go to charity.
“She would not have it any other way,” the statement said.
Witness have described a scene of chaos, panic and terror in the moments after the attack took place.
Cristea’s partner was also injured in the attack, suffering a broken foot, but has since left hospital.
In a tragic turn of events, Romanian ambassador to the UK, Dan Mihalache, explained that Cristea’s boyfriend had intended to propose to her on the day of the attack.
Scotland Yard have confirmed that five people, excluding the attacker himself, have now died following the terrorist incident near the UK’s Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, March 23.
WATCH: Scotland Yard’s top anti-terror officer addresses the media. Post continues…
Another two of the fatalities are believed to be pedestrians who were hit by the attacker as he drove violently on the nearby Westminster Bridge.
In addition, PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death by the assailant.
Mark Rowley, Scotland Yard’s top anti-terror officer, said that an additional 20 people have been injured in the attack.
This number has since escalated to more than 40.
