Inspirational Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Killed in Dubai Car Crash

Boston Marathon bombing survivor, Victoria McGrath, was killed in a car crash in Dubai, officials confirmed Monday.

The 23-year-old Northeastern University student died along with classmate and friend Priscilla Perez Torres – both were set to graduate from the school this year.

“We are stunned, shocked and heartbroken,” Victoria’s mother, Jill McGrath, wrote to NBC News.

McGrath became a symbol of the 2013 tragedy after an emotional photo of Boston firefighter James Plourde carrying her bloodied body captured the hearts of Americans everywhere.

“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 4/5/13. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McGrath and Perez Torres families as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy,” Plourde said in a statement.

During the bombing, the Weston, Connecticut, native suffered major damage to nerves in her left leg. She spent weeks recovering at Tufts Medical Center.

Her inspirational recuperation and positive strength three years ago encouraged other survivors to cope with the shock of the attack.

“She made a lasting impact on those who knew her,” Tufts Medical Center said in a statement.

In its statement, Northeastern University said Perez Torres was from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and loved traveling and “working on issues related to nutrition and women’s health.”

The school identified both McGrath and Perez Torres as “kind, talented young women with exceptional futures before them.”

“Victoria and Priscilla were vibrant, beloved members of our community, and their passing leaves a grievous absence in our community and in our hearts,” the university said.

This article originally appeared on People.com