A 50-year-old mother hailing from West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, was reported missing after the terrifying suicide attack outside of Ariana Grande's Manchester Arena concert Monday. The woman, Wendy Fawell, was later identified as one of the victims of the Manchester attack. She left behind a heartbroken family including her son, Adam Fawell.
In a post shared on Facebook in the wake of her death, Fawell's son wrote, "I am really sad to say that my mum, Wendy Fawell, unfortunately has passed away as a result of the terror attack in Manchester on Monday evening."
Fawell's son also noted, "I want to say a massive thank you to all friends and family who has shared posts to try find her and all the messages that have been sent. It really means a lot to us for all you have done. I can't thank you enough."
It was reported that Fawell was last seen in the Manchester Arena's main foyer before the attack took place. She traveled to Manchester to attend Grande's concert with her daughter and her friends. Fawell's daughter Charlotte — who is only 15 years old — is currently being treated for injuries incurred in the suicide attack. Her brother, Adam, is taking care of her in the meantime.
According to her friends, Fawell was a wonderful human being. "The kindest person you'd ever wish to meet," said her friend Jean Osborne. "She would do anything for you," Osborne told the BBC.
Another friend Debbie McDowell, according to The Telegraph, described Fawell as "confident and beautiful."
"I am heartbroken beyond belief. I have lost my best friend and confident [sic], Wendy Fawell. A beautiful lady who I will have treasured memories of," McDowell wrote.
In addition to being a beloved mother and cherished friend, Fawell was also a primary school teacher who used to work at Oswald's Primary School.
The school's Twitter account issued its condolences today. "It is with deepest sadness that I confirm that our former colleague Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester bombing. RIP, Wendy," the tweet read. It is clear that the warm-faced Fawell — whose gentle and welcoming smile is present in every photo of her shared so far — will be terribly missed by many people.
