Updated: Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor From CT Among Two Killed in Crash

By MIKE CARRAGGI (Patch Staff) & WENDY ANN MITCHELL (Patch Staff)

Editor's note: The article has been updated to include a statement from Northeastern University, as well as more information about the second victim in the crash, Priscilla Perez Torres.

WESTON, CT-- A Boston Marathon bombing survivor and her fellow Northeastern University classmate were killed in a car accident in Dubai, according to a statement from the school.

Victoria McGrath, 22, of Weston, severely injured her leg at the Marathon. McGrath's story of survival was one of several which showcased the human spirit during the tragedy of the April 2013 bombings.

McGrath was standing just feet away from where the first bomb exploded, sending a large piece of shrapnel into her leg. She was tended to by bystander Bruce Mendelsohn, first responder Alicia Shambo, and firefighter Jim Plourde. Plourde is the man carrying her in her famous photo.

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Priscilla Perez Torres was also killed in the crash. According to her Facebook page, she worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at New England Baptist Hospital and is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The President of Northeastern University, Joseph E. Aoun released the following statement to the NU community:

"To all members of the Northeastern Community:

It is with the deepest sadness that I write to inform you that Victoria McGrath, DMSB ’16, and Priscilla Perez Torres, COS ’16, have perished in a car accident while traveling overseas. Victoria and Priscilla were vibrant, beloved members of our community, and 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.

Victoria was from Weston, Connecticut, and survived severe injuries during the Boston Marathon bombing. She was devoted to helping others through leadership in student organizations and community service work.

Priscilla came to Northeastern from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and 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.

In times of tragedy, our community is the foundation of our resilience and the source of our strength. Should you need support, counseling and other resources are available from the Office of Student Affairs at 617-373-4384, wecare@neu.edu and the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service, at 617-373-2728 and csds@neu.edu.

May we all join together in sympathy and heartfelt support for the McGrath and Perez Torres families, and for Victoria’s and Priscilla’s friends and classmates. Victoria and Priscilla touched many of our lives, and we will miss them terribly. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones."

Sincerely,

Joseph E. Aoun, President

McGrath graduated from Weston High School in 2011 and attended Northeastern from 2011 - 2016, according to her LinkedIn profile. She made the Dean's List every semester, was the Executive Director of the NU Finance and investment Club, a student leader for Math Stars, worked as a volunteer at Peace Through Play and studied abroad in Australiaat Swinburne University of Technology.

McGrath was working as an intern in private wealth management with Goldman Sachs in the greater Boston area at the time of her death.

She was the oldest of three children, according to the Connecticut Post.

Photo courtesy of WHDH, 7-News

Patch will have more information as it becomes available.