The dad and mom of the 2-year-old boy discovered within the chaotic aftermath of the Highland Park parade capturing had been recognized Tuesday as Kevin and Irina McCarthy.
The boy, Aiden, was unhurt within the bloodbath, in accordance with a fundraiser verified by GoFundMe. He shall be cared for by members of the family.
“Aiden is left in the unthinkable position; to grow up without his parents,” the web page says. “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.”
Irina McCarthy’s father, Michael Levberg, told the Chicago Sun-Times that Kevin died defending his son.
“He had Aiden under his body when he was shot,” Levberg instructed the newspaper. Hours later, when Levberg picked up Aiden on the Highland Park police station, the little boy instructed him: “Mommy and Daddy are coming soon.”
“They were crazy about their child,” Levberg added, his voice breaking, the newspaper reported. “They were planning two.”
Irina, 35, and Kevin, 37, had been graduates of DePaul University in Chicago, the college stated Tuesday night time.
“We extend our prayers to their families, particularly their son Aiden, and all of those who have been affected by this senseless tragedy,” DePaul spokesman Russell Dorn stated in an e-mail.
Irina earned a bachelor of science in finance in 2009; Kevin earned the identical diploma two years later, in accordance with Dorn.
Kevin McCarthy labored with Jaguar Gene Therapy, the Illinois firm’s chief government stated in an e-mail to workers, according to NBC Chicago. CEO Joe Nolan wrote that Kevin was a “star employee” with an “incredible work ethic.”
“Outside of work he was a very proud dad and devoted husband who adored his family,” Nolan wrote, in accordance with the station. “We will miss him tremendously.”
Other victims killed on the vacation parade have been recognized by police as Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn (Jacki) Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; and Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78.