ID :
33322
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 20:05
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/33322
The shortlink copeid
Markell family describes final moments
The family of a Sydney grandfather killed in the Mumbai terrorist attacks has revealed his final moments and praised him as a gentle and generous man.
Doug Markell, 71, a semi-retired businessman and former deputy mayor of Woollahra,
was with his wife Alison on a tour of India when he lost his life in the attacks,
which left at least 172 people dead including another Australian.
The family on Monday released a statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (DFAT).
It said Ms Markell narrowly escaped death in the corridor of the Taj Hotel after her
husband was shot multiple times by terrorists while trying to escape.
The couple were woken by the sound of gunfire and an explosion at 9.30pm on November
27 after going to bed early in preparation for an early flight home to Sydney the
next day, the statement said.
Hotel staff rang to tell them there had been a security alert and advised them to
stay in their room.
Hours later, the couple heard large explosions followed by close gunfire.
"At 3.45am, Douglas looked through the peep hole in the door to find the corridor
was on fire," the statement said.
"It was only then they felt compelled to escape the blaze and found themselves
caught in terrorist gunfire.
"Douglas received multiple gunshot wounds and passed away very quickly without
suffering."
Ms Markell suffered minor wounds to her left arm.
Two hotel staff who found Ms Markell hid her and later escorted her out of the hotel
at great risk to their own lives, DFAT said.
She was taken by ambulance to Mumbai Hospital, where she was met by Australian
consulate staff and made contact with her family.
After being discharged from hospital, Ms Markell was taken to the Australian
Consulate where she was joined by her sons David and Charles.
The family said Mr Markell would be remembered as a "strong but gentle and generous
man, a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, and friend to many".
"He was passionate about his family and friends, a car and skiing enthusiast, he was
a keen organiser of events and loved a celebration."
The family said it had been "deeply affected by the tragic and senseless loss of
Douglas".
"We would like to express our deep felt gratitude to the Australian High
Commissioner to India and his staff, and those who assisted with our journey home
including the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police."
Doug Markell, 71, a semi-retired businessman and former deputy mayor of Woollahra,
was with his wife Alison on a tour of India when he lost his life in the attacks,
which left at least 172 people dead including another Australian.
The family on Monday released a statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (DFAT).
It said Ms Markell narrowly escaped death in the corridor of the Taj Hotel after her
husband was shot multiple times by terrorists while trying to escape.
The couple were woken by the sound of gunfire and an explosion at 9.30pm on November
27 after going to bed early in preparation for an early flight home to Sydney the
next day, the statement said.
Hotel staff rang to tell them there had been a security alert and advised them to
stay in their room.
Hours later, the couple heard large explosions followed by close gunfire.
"At 3.45am, Douglas looked through the peep hole in the door to find the corridor
was on fire," the statement said.
"It was only then they felt compelled to escape the blaze and found themselves
caught in terrorist gunfire.
"Douglas received multiple gunshot wounds and passed away very quickly without
suffering."
Ms Markell suffered minor wounds to her left arm.
Two hotel staff who found Ms Markell hid her and later escorted her out of the hotel
at great risk to their own lives, DFAT said.
She was taken by ambulance to Mumbai Hospital, where she was met by Australian
consulate staff and made contact with her family.
After being discharged from hospital, Ms Markell was taken to the Australian
Consulate where she was joined by her sons David and Charles.
The family said Mr Markell would be remembered as a "strong but gentle and generous
man, a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, and friend to many".
"He was passionate about his family and friends, a car and skiing enthusiast, he was
a keen organiser of events and loved a celebration."
The family said it had been "deeply affected by the tragic and senseless loss of
Douglas".
"We would like to express our deep felt gratitude to the Australian High
Commissioner to India and his staff, and those who assisted with our journey home
including the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police."
