The parents of the boy who was found alone and bloodied after gunfire rang out at the Highland Park parade were killed in the mass shooting.

Irina and Kevin McCarthy, 35 and 37, were among the seven victims who were shot dead by suspected mass murderer Robert ‘Bobby’ Crimo III during the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park.

The couple’s young son, 2-year-old Aiden McCarthy, was found alone and covered in blood by Lauren Silva and her boyfriend after the massacre began.

“We were just opening the door to walk up the stairs and we heard it… boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. And it sounded like someone was, like, pounding on the glass doors,” the 38-year-old told The Daily Beast.

After the gunfire stopped, the couple ran towards the victims and came across little Aiden.

“My boyfriend handed me this little boy and said he was underneath this father who was shot in the leg. They were trying to stop the bleeding so I brought the boy downstairs into the garage,” Lauren added.

“He kept asking if mom and dad are going to come back soon.”

Until 8 pm that day, the boy was cared for by Dana Ruder Ring who shared pictures of the toddler on social media in an attempt to identify the child and reunite him with his family.

Dana and her family were sheltering in a nearby garage when Lauren and her boyfriend brought Aiden to safety.

Following the massacre, the boy was taken to the hospital and handed over to the police.

Unfortunately, it has since come to light that both of Aiden’s parents died in the mass shooting.

The child has since been reunited and placed in the care of his grandparents, Nina and Misha Levberg.

“We took him to safety under tragic circumstances, came together to locate his grandparents, and prayed for the safety of his family. The North Shore community rallied to help a boy who we knew nothing about. Sadly, I need to share his name… Aiden McCarthy and he needs more of our help,” Irina Colon wrote as she launched a GoFundMe fundraiser in the child’s name.

“At two years old, Aiden is left in the unthinkable position; to grow up without his parents. 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.”

As of this writing, the fundraiser has already exceeded $1 million.

Our thoughts are with Aiden and his family during these challenging times.

 

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