The family and friends of a hero cafe manager who lost his life trying to disarm the Lindt Cafe gunman in Sydney remembered an "amazing life partner, son and brother". Tori Johnson, 34, was one of two hostages who were killed around 2am last night after gunman Man Haron Monis, 50, began firing at hostages.
He had reportedly attempted to wrestle the sawn-off shotgun from Monis' hands after he began to fall asleep.
2GB radio host Ben Fordham posted a statement from the parents of Mr Johnson to Twitter.
"We are so proud of our beautiful boy Tori, gone from this earth but forever in our memories as the most amazing life partner, son and brother we could ever wish for," the statement reads. "We feel heartfelt sorrow for the family of Katrina Dawson."
"We'd like to thank not only our friends and loved ones for their support, but the people of Sydney; Australia and those around the world for reaching out with their thoughts and prayers.
"Our deepest gratitude to the NSW police, armed forces and paramedics for their tireless efforts.
"We ask that the media respects our privacy in this difficult time.
"Let us all pray for peace on earth.
Mr Johnson was also remembered by his co-workers and manager at Adria Rybar and Grill in Darling Harbour - where he worked between 2006 and 2012 before taking on the job as manager of the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place.
Restaurant manager Peter Manettas said he wasn't surprised Mr Johnson attempted to save the other hostages.
"Tori was an amazing man," Mr Manettas said. "He was a selfless person. [The staff] loved working for him."
"He was someone who put himself second in everything he did."
Also killed during the siege was 38-year-old barrister and mother-of-three Katrina Dawson.
She was the sister of well-known Sydney lawyer Sandy Dawson.
