Kurt Cochran family opt for love not hate

Op-ed; When Khalid Masood began his deadly journey across Westminster Bridge last Wednesday the first people he hit were an American couple visiting the UK for an anniversary celebration and to meet up with Melissa Cochran's parents.

Kurt Cochran, 54, from Utah was knocked from the bridge to a parapet below and killed. His wife Melissa, 46, sustained injuries including a broken leg and rib.

The couple were on the last day of their vacation in the UK; the trip to London was to celebrate the couple's 25th wedding anniversary. They arrived in Britain March 3 visiting Scotland, Ireland and parts of Europe.

Masood killed three other people and injured others some sustaining what was described as catastrophic injuries.


His victims were young and old and from many nationalities.

He had a history of violence.

The Cochrans however were by all accounts a lovely couple who will be sorely missed by their loved ones and friends.

Monday family members, of Melissa and Kurt, who are in London have spoken about the couple.

Their words are an inspiration.

They are not opting for hate but rather hope. Clint Payne, Mr Cochran's brother-in-law, said;

This has been a humbling and difficult experience but we have felt the love of so many people during these past several days.

It's been a tender experience for our family to be together with Melissa here.

Her health is steadily improving and she has been strengthened by the presence of her family.

She is so grateful for the outpouring of love and generosity.

So many people have been so kind and we are deeply touched by their goodness and generosity.

Your notes, prayers, donations and love have helped us so much.

The most difficult part of all of this is that Kurt is no longer with us and we miss him terribly.

He was an amazing individual who loved everyone and tried to make the world a better place.

A beautiful life snuffed out by a person who was never a positive force for anything good.

Thoughts with all of those involved.

Thirteen members of Mr Cochran's family attended a press conference at Scotland Yard [Monday] to speak in public for the first time about the attack.

Mrs Cochran's sister, Shantell Payne, said: "We haven't really talked about what happened with her. We're trying to focus on giving her healing energy. We're trying to focus on positive things."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/03/27/kurt-cochran-family-westminster-terror-attack-victim-say-have/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39404434