Fifth Westminster attack victim dies from fall into Thames.
Andreea Cristea, 31, died yesterday, a fortnight after being pulled from the river when killer Khalid Masood ploughed into crowds on Westminster Bridge.
Her life support was switched off at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City.
Her devastated family and partner Andrei Burnaz today paid tribute to a “wonderful daughter sister and partner”
They said in a statement: “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.
“She will always be remembered as our shining ray of light that will forever keep on shining in our hearts.
“There are no words to even begin to describe the crushing pain and emptiness that is left in our hearts.”
They added that money donated by generous well-wishers to aid her recovery would now be donated to charity and thanked medical staff and emergency services.
They added: “Andreea is now unfortunately not able to have part of the money that was raised for her recovery, so we would like to donate it to charity. She would not have it any other way.
“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.
“Our hearts and love go out to our two Family Liaison Officers, Detective Sergeants Tony De-Wilde and Geraint Jones, who stood beside us every single step of the way.
“You were our lifeline and we will never be able to thank you enough.”
Ms Cristea is the fifth victim of the attack carried out by Masood on March 22.
