GoFundMe for orphan of Highland Park shooting victims raises $2.8M

A GoFundMe has been created for a young boy after both of his parents were killed in the July 4 Highland Park shooting. Since its creation, it has raised more than $2.8 million.

Aiden McCarthy is now an orphan, according to GoFundMe, after his parents Irina and Kevin were killed at the parade. He is 2 years old.

The GoFundMe page says Aiden will be cared for by “a community of friends and extended family.” The GoFundMe is an effort to help those individuals provide him with whatever he needs growing up.

A woman named Irina Colon created the fundraiser, saying “On behalf of his family, and with their permission, I am establishing this fundraiser to support him and the caregivers who will be tasked with raising, caring for, and supporting Aiden as he and his support system embark on this unexpected journey.”

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that maternal grandfather picked the little boy up at the police station after the shooting.

More than 50,000 people have already donated and the fundraiser has reached its goal of $500,000 several times over.

If you are interested in donating, you can find the GoFundMe page here.

By Julia Marshall, TMJ4.