Eva Geller, 90, Holocaust Survivor Wounded at Bondi Beach, Dies in Sydney Hospital

Eva Geller, 90, died overnight in a Sydney hospital from complications stemming from gunshot wounds suffered in the Bondi Beach terror attack, Reuters and AAP reported on Friday. She was a Holocaust survivor who had been in and out of hospital since she was shot on December 14 last year.

Geller was among dozens wounded when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd at a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach. A total of 15 people were killed in the mass shooting, which Reuters described as Australia's deadliest in decades.

The toll question

Geller's family and several outlets frame her as the 16th victim of the attack. New South Wales Police have not confirmed an official toll change. Police said they are awaiting further advice and are working with the coroner's office.

"Police are now awaiting further advice and are working with the office of the coroner," a New South Wales Police statement said, in comments reported by Reuters. That distinction matters for the legal case as well. AAP reported that it remains unclear whether officials will prosecute an alleged gunman over her death.

Months in hospital

Geller had a stroke overnight after spending months in and out of Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital, AAP reported. She suffered ongoing surgical complications after being shot in the attack. After an infection, she was told she would never walk again, but she walked again. Rabbi Aron Moss said she never really recovered from the attack.

Geller was born in Hungary in 1936 and escaped the Holocaust with her mother before building a future and a family in Australia, Rabbi Moss said.

"She's a proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother, a beautiful, positive person who, even in these difficult months, maintained her positivity. She was so sweet, everyone in the community really loved her," Rabbi Moss said, in comments reported by AAP.

Tributes from leaders

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the pain of the attack is still being felt almost a year on.

"Almost a year on, the devastation of that awful day continues to cause pain for families and today we recognise that more than ever. We are wrapping our arms around Eva's family, friends and the Jewish community at this very sad time," Albanese said, in comments reported by Reuters.

"Eva should have been able to celebrate Chanukah in peace and safety and instead, her life was changed forever by an act of terror and anti-Semitism," Albanese said, in comments reported by AAP.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also paid tribute. "After everything (Ms) Geller endured, the news of her death is heartbreaking. Almost a year on, we are still living with the pain and aftershock of that evil act. We will never forget Eva or any victim whose life was changed forever," Minns said, in comments reported by AAP.

The case and what comes next

Police say the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, were inspired by Islamic State. Police shot Sajid Akram dead at the scene. Naveed Akram survived being shot and faces charges including 15 counts of murder and a terror offence, Reuters reported.

A government-backed inquiry into antisemitism called after the attack is due to hand down its findings on December 18. Geller's funeral was scheduled to take place next week, ABC reported, in comments carried by Reuters.