Boston bombing victims identified, youngest was Catholic student

Two of the three fatal victims of yesterday's terrorist attack in Boston have been publicly identified. Authorities say the two victims are a young boy and a young woman, both from Massachusetts.

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BOSTON, MA (Catholic Online) - The fatalities have been identified as Martin Richard, 8, and Krystle Campbell, 29.

The two victims were killed when a bomb exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Bill Richard, the father of Martin issued a statement following the public announcement of his son's death. "My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin. We also ask for your patience and for privacy as we work to simultaneously grieve and recover."

Martin Richard's mother reportedly suffered injuries to her head and underwent brain surgery to save her life. His sister suffered a severe injury to her leg.

Martin Richard was also a student at Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy.

Only another brother escaped physically unharmed.

Krystle Campbell of Arlingtion, Mass. Was the second publicly identified victim. Campbell was a restaurant manager who went to view the marathon with her best friend.

Friends remembered her on her Facebook page, saying "She was beautiful, she was loud, and everyone loved her for it." Friends praised her smile and attitude in their comments.

A third fatality has not been publicly identified.

The bombings were conducted using bombs that authorities think were made using pressure cookers filled with gunpowder and bits of metal. They were designed to mangle flesh rather than to destroy structures.

Many victims remain hospitalized. Doctors say that a number of people lost limbs in the blasts or in emergency surgeries following the bombings.

Authorities are still searching for suspects and motives for the bombings. 

There is no evidence of  further threat to Boston or other cities at this moment. 

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