2-year-old Aiden to grow up without parents as they die in US parade shooting

Fourth of July is a day of national celebration for the Americans. However, it turned into a day of fear and tragedy when a 22-year-old killed seven people and injured 36 in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park on Monday. What started with a day of celebration ended with loss, grief and screams.

The Fourth of July celebration in Chicago stopped mid-way with the screams of the victims. Among the victims are the parents of a toddler – Irina and Kevin McCarthy.

While 35-year-old Irina and 37-year-old McCarthy lost their lives in the shooting at the Independence Day parade in Chicago, their 2-year-old son, Aiden, was found alive.

According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, Aiden is safe and is with his relatives. As the parents of the 2-year-old are no more, he will be cared for by his family members.

A relative of Irina shared with CNN that she found out about the tragic death of the couple through Irina McCarthy’s father.

The relative also started a GoFundMe campaign for the child. The campaign has been started for Aiden and his relatives who will be tasked with caring for, raising and supporting Aiden.

The campaign said that although Aiden’s parents are no longer with him, he is surrounded by his caring and loving family and friends who will embrace and nurture him with love.

The GoFundMe fundraiser has already raised over $800,000 by July 5.

The shooting at the Independence Day parade in Chicago began shortly after 10 am as people gathered for a Fourth of July parade along Central Avenue, said CNN. Police commander Chris O’Neill said firearm evidence was found on the rooftop of a building near the site where the shooting took place.