Fundraiser set up by concerned citizen who heard the child’s story.
QUICK FACTS:
- There has been a massive outpouring of support for 2-year-old Aiden McCarthy who was orphaned during the Highland Park, Illinois shooting on Monday.
- A concerned citizen set up a GoFundMe fundraiser on Tuesday after news of the child’s tragic loss became widespread.
- Aiden’s parents, Kevin (37) and Irina (35), were two of the seven killed in the mass shooting event at the parade.
- Aiden was shielded by his father’s body, according to media reports, and the fundraiser for the 2-year-old was at almost $2.5 million as of Wednesday afternoon.
- The McCarthys are immigrants from Russia, and his mother was Jewish, according to The Jerusalem Post.
- Aiden is being taken care of by his grandparents.
INFORMATION FROM THE FUNDRAISER:
- “In the aftermath of the Highland Park, IL shootings on July 4, the North Shore community rallied to help a boy who we knew nothing about. We took him to safety under tragic circumstances, came together to locate his grandparents, and prayed for the safety of his family,” fundraiser organizer Irina Colon said about the endeavor on the GoFundMe page.
- “Sadly, I need to share his name…Aiden McCarthy. And he needs more of our help. His parents Irina & Kevin were killed during the July 4 shooting. At two years old, Aiden is left in the unthinkable position; to grow up without his parents,” Colon went on to say.
- “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. He is surrounded by a community of friends and extended family that will embrace him with love, and any means available to ensure he has everything he needs as he grows.
- “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 as he and his support system embark on this unexpected journey.”
BACKGROUND:
- Robert E. Crimo III, 21, was arrested Monday evening after a search by law enforcement in connection to the massacre.
- If convicted of the seven counts of first-degree murder he would have to serve a mandatory life sentence.
- More charges are expected to come later, including attempted murder, aggravated discharge, and aggravated battery charges.
