SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

$2.5 mn raised for child orphaned in July 4 parade shooting

A GoFundMe donation drive for a two-year-old boy who lost both his parents in the July 4 parade shooting in Illinois has raised more than $2.5 million.

Kevin McCarthy, 37, and his wife, Irina McCarthy, 35, were among the seven people who died on Monday when a gunman opened fire on the parade crowd from a rooftop in a Chicago suburb.

Their son, Aiden, was found wandering alone near the parade route after the shooting and was later returned to family members, according to the GoFundMe page set up for the child.

“At two years old, Aiden is left in the unthinkable position; to grow up without his parents,” said Irina Colon, the woman who set up the donation page.

“Aiden will be cared for by his loving family and he will have a long road ahead to heal, find stability, and ultimately navigate life as an orphan,” Colon said.

“On behalf of his family, and with their permission, I am establishing this fundraiser to support him and the caregivers who will be tasked with raising, caring for, and supporting Aiden,” she added.

As of Wednesday afternoon, donations had topped $2.52 million, including $18,000 from billionaire investor Bill Ackman.

Robert Crimo, a 21-year-old man with a history of mental issues and threatening behavior, has been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder in connection with the parade shooting.

    Source:
  • AFP