Coroner Currently Compiling Report Into How To Learn Lessons From Tragedy

Two years on from the Tunisia terrorist attack where a gunman opened fire at a popular beach hotel killing 38 tourists, British families affected by the incident are putting their efforts into fundraising and awareness raising as they seek to overcome the trauma of what happened.

An inquest into the deaths of 30 British citizens concluded earlier this year after hearing about issues with security at the hotel, the police response and criticism of travel advice prior to families heading out on holiday.

His Honour Judge Loraine-Smith has since taken further submissions from specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell representing 22 families who lost loved ones as well as tour operator TUI with which they booked their holidays and the Government.

He is expected to publish his report into possible action to learn lessons from the tragedy in the coming months. A criminal investigation in Tunisia is also ongoing with a hearing scheduled for October.

Irwin Mitchell represents the families of 22 people who were killed in the attack as well as many others who suffered injuries including gunshot wounds and shrapnel damage from exploded grenades. They are bringing civil claims for damages against TUI the tour operator alleging that security at the hotel was inadequate and that guests were not given sufficient warning of the risk that a terrorist attack might occur.

Expert Opinion

“Our clients have shown tremendous courage over the past two years as they have sought to find out exactly what happened on that fateful day and whether anything more could have been done to prevent the attack, or limit its impact.

“The seven-week inquest was particularly difficult, sitting through hours of sensitive and often shocking evidence. They now await the Coroner’s report and hope that recommendations will be made to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.” Kylie Hutchison - Senior Associate Solicitor

Suzy Richards, from Wednesbury in the Midlands, lost her son Joel, dad Pat and brother Ade, during the attack. Since the tragedy she and her other son Owen have set up the Smile for Joel charity to raise funds to support and help shattered and broken families who are victims of traumatic bereavement through homicide

Suzy said: “After losing three very precious family members during the Tunisian terror attack our supportive loyal and loving family will never be the same. We are shattered, broken and every day is a colossal struggle not having them here with us. 

“In the midst of this heartache I am determined to stand strong for my remaining family, especially my remaining son Owen.

“Two years on I remain determined not to let the lives of my son Joel, my dad Pat and my brother Ade be forgotten. I want their names and beautiful caring ways to live on forever through their legacy.  I want to make a difference in their name for others who have experienced losing someone they love in such a heart-breaking way. This is why we started Smile for Joel.”

Cheryl Stollery, whose husband John was killed by the gunman, is using her job as  Safeguarding Children in Education Officer for Nottinghamshire County Council to raise awareness of the threat of terror, hate and knife crime, bringing together agencies to share information. Cheryl has been supporting East Midlands Prevent teams ' telling her family’s story and sharing John's legacy as a social worker and the what the impact of losing him has had on them all with the hope that our story will raise awareness and influence others.

She has been in regular contact with victim support and contributed to research to look at positive ways forward to support all victims and survivors engaging with the services.

She is also engaging in training and awareness raising of radicalisation and extremism with schools.

Cheryl said: “Over the past few weeks Britain has seen communities needing to stand together and be resilient in overcoming terrorist attacks and coming out the other side as a stronger society. Since the terrible incident in Tunisia two years ago it has made me determined to use my time to help others to understand the support available to them and seek to ensure that all agencies and organisations work together to help make a positive change.

“It’s been a very tough couple of years and although nothing can ever bring our loved ones back, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been hard going back to work and my son has now completed his Masters and I’m so proud of him.”

Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell have also represented victims and the families of those killed in other terrorist attacks including 9/11 (New York), 7/7 (London), the IRA bombing of Manchester city centre, and Pan Am flight 103 (Lockerbie) and are supporting victims of the recent Manchester bomb attack.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in Terrorism Injury cases.