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As It Happens

Boston marathon bombing survivor killed in Dubai car crash

Victoria McGrath survived the Boston Marathon bombing. But, this weekend, the 23-year-old was killed in a car crash in Dubai. A medic — who took care of McGrath after the attack — tells us about their friendship.
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In this April 15, 2013 file photo, Boston firefighter James Plourde carries Victoria McGrath from the scene of the bombing near the Boston Marathon finish line. A Northeastern University spokesman said Mar. 7, 2016, that McGrath and another student were killed in a car accident in Dubai over the weekend while on a personal trip. (AP Photo/MetroWest Daily News, Ken McGagh, File)
As It Happens7:38Boston marathon bombing survivor killed in Dubai car crash

A Boston Marathon bombing survivor died this weekend in a car crash in Dubai. Victoria McGrath, 23, was killed when the Ferrari she was in slammed into a lamp post. McGrath's friend from university and two Canadian men were also killed in the crash.

Back in 2013, McGrath was hit by shrapnel during the Boston Marathon attacks. Alicia Shambo, a former army medic, took care of McGrath that day. 

She was living life large. She was grateful for the second chance that she had.- Alicia Shambo

"I ran into the explosion area," Shambo tells As it Happens guest host Helen Mann. "As I was putting Victoria on the gurney, she looked at me and she said 'please, don't leave me.'"

"I jumped in the ambulance with her and kept her alert and awake...and held her hand and kissed her and told her that she was going to be okay."

After the attack, McGrath developed a relationship with Shambo, as well as with the firefighter and bystander who cared for her on the day of Boston Marathon. 

"I guess we are kind of cut from the same cloth," says Shambo. "It was an immediate bond. Victoria became like our little sister, our daughter." 

From left to right: Boston firefighter Jimmy Plourde, Victoria McGrath, Alicia Shambo and Bruce Mendelsohn at a barbecue together last summer. McGrath, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, stayed in touch with the people who helped her the day of the attack. (Bruce Mendelsohn)

McGrath was set to graduate from Boston's Northeastern University this spring. 

"She was living life large. She was grateful for the second chance that she had. I'm still struggling with the fact she's not here." 

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