A Northeastern University student who survived the Boston Marathon bombing was killed in a car accident in Dubai, the school said.
Victoria McGrath, who was severely injured by shrapnel in the 2013 attack, died in a crash while on a personal trip overseas, school officials said Monday. Priscilla Perez Torres, another student at the school, was also killed.
“Victoria and Priscilla were vibrant, beloved members of our community,” Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun said in a statement. “Their passing leaves a grievous absence in our community and in our hearts. This is a heartbreaking loss to their families, friends, and to all of us in the Northeastern family.”
McGrath was hit by shrapnel from the first of two bombs that went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, CNN affiliate WFXT reported. Her legs were severely injured in the attack, which killed three people and injured at least 264.
Rescuers who helped save McGrath’s life in 2013 said they were devastated by news of her death.
“After the Boston Marathon bombing, Victoria become a major part of my life as well as my family’s. It’s been said that I helped to save her life, but the truth is Victoria saved my life after the marathon, as her love, support and friendship helped myself and my family deal with the acts of 4/15/13,” Jimmy Plourde, a Boston firefighter who carried McGrath to a medical tent after the attack, told WFXT.
Tufts Medical Center, where McGrath underwent treatment after the bombing, said McGrath made a lasting impact on those who knew her
“Our hearts ache for the family and friends of our former patient,” the hospital said on Twitter.
School officials did not release details about the crash.
The university president praised both students for their impact on campus.
“(Victoria) was devoted to helping others through leadership in student organizations and community service work,” he said. “Priscilla was passionate about travel and working on issues related to nutrition and women’s health. Each were kind, talented young women, with exceptional futures before them.”
McGrath was a business administration and accounting student from Weston, Connecticut, WFXT reported.
She and Perez were set to graduate later this year, the school said.