A fundraiser set up to support an orphaned Jewish toddler in the wake of the Highland Park shooting has raised nearly $2m.
Aiden McCarthy and his parents Irina and Kevin attended the annual Highland Park Independence Day parade on Monday. Shortly after news of the attack broke, a picture of Aiden alone went viral amid calls for information as to the whereabouts of his parents.
Yesterday, it was confirmed by police and relatives close to the family that both his parents were killed in the incident.
Remember this little boy found wandering alone after #HighlandPark parade? We’ve just found out why… both his parents were killed💔
— Marissa Parra NBC (@MarParNews) July 5, 2022
A fundraiser has been started for Irina and Kevin McCarthy’s 2-yo son Aiden as he grows up without them
Link: https://t.co/qKc4mOVX2t @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/7fxYE3OoS4
On the Gofundme page, organiser Irina Colon said: “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."
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Aiden's mother Irina was from a Russian Jewish family and had arrived in Illinois as a child. It's believed that Irina's family will care for Aiden in the short-term.
At the time of writing, the GoFundme has raised over $1.8m in less than 24 hours.
