Boston survivor meets death in Dubai Ferrari

Victoria McGrath (centre) thanks people who helped her after she was injured in the Boston bombing. - AP file

A Boston university student, who received severe injuries following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, has been confirmed as one of the four victims killed in the Ferrari crash in Dubai on Sunday.
Victoria McGrath and fellow Northeastern University Boston student Priscilla Perez Torres were killed in the accident during a private trip.
Described as "vibrant, beloved members" of the Northeastern Community, university president Joseph E. Aoun said in a statement that their demise will leave a "grievous absence in our community and in our hearts".
In 2013, McGrath cheated death when Chechen brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev planted bombs at the April 15 Boston Marathon.
Following the attack, the brave student thanked the men that helped rescue her that day saying: "We're only going to get stronger from this - all of us." Three people were killed that day with more than 250 more injured.
In the statement from the university which McGrath was due to graduate from this year, Aoun said McGrath - who was from Weston in Connecticut - was a "devoted" young woman who was actively involved in student organisation and community service work.
Killed alongside McGrath and Torres in Sunday's fatal crash was Canadian boxer Cody Nixon and friend James Portuondo.
In his last post on Instagram before the fatal crash, Nixon eerily posted a picture of himself next to the Ferrari - which was later split in two - saying: "Don't worry, I won't speed".
It is unclear how the foursome knew each other. When this reporter checked the Facebook friends circle of both Torres and McGrath, neither Nixon nor Portuondo appeared as a mutual friend of either girls.
The president of Northeastern University was not available for comment on Tuesday, but a representative from the Office of Student Affairs - which has set up a hotline for distressed students - said the university is in the process of setting up a vigil for the two girls, and that the date will be announced soon.
The representative added that neither of the men involved in the crash has any relation to the university.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Faculty member from the university, Trish O'Halloran Blomquist, said the girls will be dearly missed. "I did not know the girls personally but if they are like other NEU young woman, they are beautiful, bright and full of promise. My heart goes out to their families. NEU, although a large school, is a tight-knit community. And yes, they will live on in everyone's hearts."
The crash
Director of the General Department of Traffic of Dubai Police Col. Saif Muhair Al Mazroui said the incident took place at 12.40pm on Al Sarayat Road in Jumeriah Lakes Towers.
It is alleged the driver lost control of the rented Ferrari which was split in two after crashing into an electricity pole.
Closing his statement on Monday, Aoun said: "Victoria and Priscilla touched many of our lives, and we will miss them terribly. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones."
Tweets and posts of sympathy rang out across Twitter and Facebook when the identity of the two students was revealed late on Monday.
Using the handle ?@TreasuryTutor, Dubai-based Wayne Andrews tweeted: "Tragic news that a survivor of the #BostonMarathon bombing has been killed in a #Dubai car crash."
And close friend of Torres, Sara Panahi, posted a Facebook photo of the pair in a friendly embrace writing: "My big - the beautiful girl with a special golden glow. My love for you is unconditional and endless. I promise to live up to everything you believed I am, I promise to spread the sunshine you brought to my life to everyone else's".
While close friend of McGrath and fellow Weston resident, Melanie Taylor Savitsky, posted a collage of the pair, writing: "I feel truly blessed to have had you as a friend. You were there when I needed you most and I am forever grateful to you. I love you so much and already miss you more than you will ever know."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE

Kelly Clarke

kelly@khaleejtimes.com