A British man who tried to save a woman from a stabbing attack at a north Queensland backpacker's hostel last week has died in hospital.

Key points: Tom Jackson dies a week after he was stabbed at a Home Hill backpackers hostel

Tom Jackson dies a week after he was stabbed at a Home Hill backpackers hostel Mia Ayliffe-Chung died in the same attack

Mia Ayliffe-Chung died in the same attack Police expected to upgrade charges against Smail Ayad

Tom Jackson, 30, was stabbed in the eye, head and torso when he came to the aid of Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, at the Home Hill hostel, south of Townsville, last Tuesday night.

He sought to shield Ms Ayliffe-Chung in the bathroom from her alleged attacker, French backpacker Smail Ayad, but was attacked himself.

Mia Ayliffe-Chung was described as a "beautiful person" by friends. ( Facebook: Mia Ayliffe-Chung )

Ms Ayliffe-Chung died that night and Mr Jackson was taken to the Townsville Hospital in a critical condition.

His life support was turned off this afternoon.

Ayad, 29, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.

Queensland police said they would upgrade charges against Ayad in his next appearance at Townsville Magistrates Court on October 28.

Father buoyed by support in dark time

Mr Jackson's father Les flew into Townsville late last week to be by his son's side.

In a statement released to a fundraising page set up in Mr Jackson's honour, Les wrote about his grief.

"We are bereft," he said on the page.

"Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place.

"Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful.

"There is dark and evil in this world perpetrated by a few, but so much more love and light emanates from so many more.

Mr Jackson was stabbed multiple times during last week's Home Hill attack. ( Supplied: YouCaring )

"That thought will sustain us over the coming days."

After flying into Australia, Les praised his son's bravery, adding how proud they were.

"There are many and varied reasons why we are, and always will be, immensely proud of Tom," Les Jackson said.

"His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride."

Menna Rawlings, the British High Commissioner to Australia, tweeted her support to Mr Jackson's family and friends.

"Sorry to hear this very sad news. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Tom's family and friends."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her thoughts were with Mr Jackson's family.

"In the eyes of the community, he's a real hero," she said.

"He went to the aid of someone, a good Samaritan, and I'm quite sure that he'll be remembered by his family and friends and in fact by Queenslanders for his heroic actions."

Local MP Dale Last said the tragedy had cut people deeply.

"And I'm not sure the community will ever get over in terms of just shattering that sense of safety."