6-Year-Old Newtown Victim Died in Arms of Beloved Aide

Anne Marie Murphy also died in attempt to shield Dylan Hockley
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 18, 2012 11:14 AM CST
6-Year-Old Newtown Victim Died in Arms of Beloved Aide
This undated photo made available on behalf of the Hockley family shows Dylan Hockley, 6.   (AP Photo/The Hockley Family)

More tales of heartbreak and heroic acts from Newtown: The Connecticut Post today shares the story of Dylan Hockley, a 6-year-old who died in Friday's massacre—in the arms of his beloved aide, who also died while trying to protect him from the gunfire. Dylan's family tells the Post that he had special needs, and was cared for by the "amazing" Anne Marie Murphy. "We take great comfort in knowing that Dylan was not alone when he died," said his parents.

They say Dylan loved Murphy, and regularly pointed to a photo of her posted on the family's fridge, and that "Dylan's teacher, Vicki Soto (who was also killed), was warm and funny, and Dylan loved her dearly." The couple moved their two boys to Sandy Hook from England two years ago, and explained, quite powerfully, that "we do not and shall never regret this choice. Our boys have flourished here and our family's happiness has been limitless." As for Dylan, "His beaming smile would light up any room and his laugh was the sweetest music." (Click to read a 9-year-old survivor's account of the shooting.)

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