Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Dies in Car Accident

Victoria McGrath, fellow student killed in Dubai
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 7, 2016 12:19 PM CST
Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Dies in Car Accident
In this April 15, 2013 photo, Boston firefighter James Plourde carries Victoria McGrath from the scene.   (AP Photo/MetroWest Daily News, Ken McGagh, File)

Victoria McGrath was 20 years old when she was pictured in an iconic photo, being carried to safety by a firefighter after a bomb went off just 5 feet from where she was standing at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Less than three years later, the survivor who inspired others as she made her recovery is dead. McGrath and her Northeastern University classmate, Priscilla Perez Torres, were killed in a car accident in Dubai, NBC News reports. "We are stunned, shocked and heartbroken," McGrath's mother writes in an email confirming the news. Also killed when their rented Ferrari crashed into a pole were Canadian boxer Cody Nixon and a man thought to be Nixon's cousin, reports the Boston Globe. They were reportedly on their way to Bali for spring break.

"Just landed into Dubai picked up the Ferrari! Don’t worry I won’t speed ;)" wrote Nixon in an Instagram post hours before the fatal crash. The cause remains under police investigation. Among those mourning McGrath's loss is the firefighter who was pictured carrying her, James Plourde. "It’s been said that I helped to save her life, but the truth is Victoria saved my life after the Marathon as her love, support, and friendship helped myself and my family deal with the acts of 4/15/13," he said in a statement. Other marathon survivors took to social media upon hearing the news, notes MyFox Boston, which rounds up several posts. "Our hearts are heavy tonight," said one from brothers JP and Paul Norden. (A woman who lost her leg in the bombing has inspiring plans for this year's race.)

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