Justine Damond should have been abuzz with nerves and excitement as she prepared to marry her longtime love, Don Damond, in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii next month.
But in a shocking turn of events that has outraged Australians and the rest of the world, Justine’s dreams of becoming a bride were destroyed on July 15 when she was fatally shot in the stomach by a police officer in her adopted home of America.
This week, Woman’s Day exclusively chatted to the 40-year-old’s friends and family.
“We are still trying to come to terms with this tragedy and we are struggling to understand how and why this could happen,” a spokesperson for Justine’s Australian family told us.
Justine with her friend Michelle.
Her friend, fellow life coach Michelle Richmond, told us how Justine changed people’s lives for the better on a daily basis.
“Justine taught people how to love, to be free and to be accepting of themselves and others,” Michelle said.
“She empowered people to be joyous and empathetic. She’d want us to pick up that flame and continue with that very important work.”
“If there is any call to action in this senseless tragedy, may it be a catalyst to build more love, light and healing in our world.”
For the full interview, pick up a copy of Woman’s Day magazine, on stands today!
