Sister of woman, 20, allegedly stabbed by her spurned male co-worker at leagues club details horrific attack and praises hero who saved her
The sister of a woman who was viciously stabbed, allegedly by one of her aggrieved ex-colleagues, has spoken out to thank those who helped save her.
Zoe Samson-Wood, 20, was allegedly stabbed 15 times by Cameron William Leslie Clark, 33, in a hallway of Easts Leagues Club at Coorparoo, in Brisbane, on Thursday.
Her sister, Ruby Samson-Wood, has since shared an update confirming that she has been discharged from hospital following treatment for her serious wounds.
Police alleged Clark stabbed Ms Samson-Wood across her body and in her head during the attack, just hours after he was fired from his kitchenhand job at the venue.
Clark had been let go following an accusation, and subsequent company investigation, that he had previously harassed Ms Samson-Wood.
Ruby praised her sister for ‘putting up a hell of a fight’ on the night of her injuries and thanked everyone who assisted her.
During the alleged assault another worker at the venue, a 61-year-old chef, got between the two. He was allegedly stabbed in the stomach and paramedics rushed him to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Ms Samson-Wood has now also been discharged from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, despite having suffered significant nerve damage, her sister said.
Zoe Samson-Wood, 20, was stabbed 15 times while working at Brisbane’s Easts Leagues Club at Coorparoo on Thursday
Clark went to Easts Leagues Club (pictured) on his day off after he received written notice that his employment had been terminated
Police allege Cameron William Leslie Clark, 33, turned on the waitress shortly after having been fired from the venue
Clark allegedly began his assault in a hallway of the restaurant before its chef intervened long enough for Ms Samson-Wood to get away.
After this short pause however, Clark allegedly continued his assault in the dining area of the club where she had fled to.
He was quickly restrained by diners as emergency services arrived to the scene.
‘My heart goes out to you all, especially the man who saved her life and was stabbed in the abdomen as a result,’ Ruby wrote.
‘Thank you to anyone who helped, even if it gave Zoe an extra millisecond to get away, you saved her life.
‘I share her story not to fearmonger or seek pity but to shine light on how immensely brave and strong Zoe is to survive this and to raise awareness of violence against women. I am here for every single woman that has been made to feel powerless.’
She said her sister had suffered a nasty cut to her skull and tendons causing nerve damage that requires reconstructive surgery.
Clark has since been charged with one count each of attempted murder, unlawful stalking, unlawful wounding, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm or transmit serious disease, and going armed so as to cause fear.
The Easts Leagues Club board thanked everyone who stepped in to help Ms Samson-Wood
Ruby (left) said her sister suffered nerve damage as a result of the stabbing
Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said the alleged attack had been a ‘life-altering event’ for all involved.
‘Those people that were physically injured, those people that witnessed the event, they will forever remember what occurred,’ he told reporters.
‘I think we are very lucky and fortunate today that I’m not here discussing a more serious outcome.’
Clark remains in custody and is next due to appear in court Monday.
His lawyer, Lana Millar, said he had been taken to hospital for treatment regarding injuries of his own.
The Easts Leagues Club board praised the efforts by all staff and diners.
‘In the worst of times, we truly saw the best of our people,’ they said in a statement.
‘We are grateful that our staff are safe, and we are working closely to support all of them through this upsetting time.
‘Our venue has now reopened for our community. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and care shown to our staff since reopening, and for that, we are deeply thankful.’
