Paris attacks: British victim Nick Alexander shot at Eagles of Death Metal concert was ‘everyone’s best friend’
'Sleep tight, my sweet prince, Nick Alexander'
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Your support makes all the difference.Friends and family of a British man killed when gunmen opened fire on Paris' Bataclan concert hall have described him as “everyone’s best friend”.
Nick Alexander was among 89 people killed during the shootings, which took place along with a series of co-ordinated attacks across the city that have left at least 129 dead.
The 36-year-old was working on the venue's merchandise desk during the Eagles of Death Metal show when the attackers began shooting.
His family said in a statement that he “died doing the job he loved”.
“It is with huge sorrow that we can confirm that our beloved Nick lost his life at the Bataclan last night," the statement said.
“Nick was not just our brother, son and uncle, he was everyone’s best friend – generous, funny and fiercely loyal.
“Nick died doing the job he loved and we take great comfort in knowing how much he was cherished by his friends around the world. Thank you for your thoughts and respect for our family at this difficult time. Peace and light.”
Also paying tribute to Mr Alexander was his ex-girlfriend Helen Wilson, who was with him when the attack happened but survived despite being shot in both thighs.
She told The Times: “Nick was in front of me when we were lying on the ground and somebody moved and they just turned round and started shooting us.
“His back was to me and I couldn’t see what happened and I tried to keep him talking and then I tried to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and they [the gunmen] were just sort of in the shadows and they would shoot if anyone said anything.
“Then he couldn’t breathe any more and I held him in my arms and told him I loved him. He was the love of my life.”
Ms Wilson is believed to be recovering after being taken to Saint-Antoine hospital in Paris, where she was bandaged and received a blood transfusion.
Cat Stevens has also tweeted a tribute to Mr Alexander.
Mr Alexander’s girlfriend, Polina Buckley, posted photos of the couple on Twitter, with the caption “Sleep tight, my sweet prince, Nick Alexander…”
He is the first British victim confirmed by the Foreign Office, but officials fear several Brits may have fallen victim to the attack.
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