Martin Richard: Boston Bombing 8-Year-Old Victim Becomes Face of Marathon Tragedy (VIDEO)
The 8-year-old boy killed in the Boston Marathon bombings has been identified as Martin Richard.
The young boy was at the event with his family to watch his father compete. According to reports he was waiting along with his mother and sister to congratulate and hug his dad, who was just finishing the race, according to CNN.
However, as they waited near the finish line they were hit full on by one of the explosions. Martin was tragically killed by the blast, and his mom and sister also suffered serious injuries.
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Martin's 6 year old sister is said to have survived the explosion but reportedly lost a leg due to her injuries. She is currently in hospital recovering from the ordeal and receiving medical treatment.
According to other reports, Martin's mother was also seriously injured and may have suffered brain injuries. She has undergone surgery to treat her head injuries, and her present condition is uncertain. Both mother and daughter were still hospitalized by early Tuesday afternoon. The boy's dad is thought to have been uninjured in the blasts, but is devastated and trying to come to terms with the tragic turn of events.
Father, Bill Richard, is reportedly very active in his local community in the Ashmont section of Dorchester. Locals are said to have been devastated at the family's loss and many have been seen leaving flowers at their family home.
One mourner had written the word "Peace" at the entrance to the driveway; a reference to a sign made by Martin last May when he helped organized a peace walk. During that event children made signs at home and walked together around the city to make a simple statement urging peace in Boston, and for violence to stop.
In a photo that is being shown of Martin he can also be seen at his first communion smiling and posing for the camera in a white suit. In that picture the young boy is seen holding a colorful communion banner with a dove on it symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
It is now believed that as many as 3 people were killed, and more than 170 were injured in the two explosions that hit on Monday afternoon near the finish line of the marathon. By Tuesday early afternoon no suspects were being named by authorities, however, President Obama had pledged that those responsible for the attacks would be hunted and be brought to justice.
Here is a video news report into the tragic death of Martin Richard:
