Fil-Am Killed by Stray Bullet in Chicago, Laid to Rest
Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 02/24/16 3:42 PM
CALIFORNIA – Tragedy has struck a Filipino-American family in San Diego after a young, bright, and innocent woman falls casualty to the Windy City’s growing gun violence epidemic.
“We are surrounded by wonderful people who are always here supporting us. It’s just too hard to deal with this tragic situation that happened to our daughter,” said Aaren Nicole O’Connor’s mother, Delia.
The 25-year old Fil-Am was on the phone with her dad inside a parked car outside of her Chicago apartment when a stray bullet hit her on February 5th.
Her dad was unaware that she was shot. During the conversation, she complained of her head hurting and becoming more incoherent.
A roommate eventually found her unresponsive in her car.
“It was shocking. I can’t believe this has happened. I’m still trying to understand it, it’s very hard. She was so accomplished and such a bright star, such a great person,” said her dad, David.
O’Connor’s coworkers began a memorial page on Gofundme to support youth programs in Chicago.
“They are trying to put together a scholarship for at risk youth in Chicago so they can have opportunities that maybe they don’t have today, and steers them away from that kind of life,” said her father.
The O’Connor family said the program would mean a lot to Aaren who was known for kindness and hard work.
At a young age, she found success as a toy company’s brand manager.
“She made me so proud, so happy for the 25 years she shared with us,” her dad said.
Her mother added, “She was just a wonderful child from the very beginning and were gonna miss her so much.”
Police are still investigating the crime and are searching for leads.
Crime stoppers have offered rewards.