HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — The scene of the Highland Park massacre is finally starting to return to normal as debris — chairs and strollers left in the chaos of a shooting that killed seven and injured dozens more — is cleaned up.
But the impact of these losses reaches far and wide. The victims range in age from 35 to 88 years old. These were mothers, fathers and grandparents.
Officials on Tuesday identified six of the victims killed in the July 4 parade shooting in Highland Park.
A seventh person died Tuesday at a Cook County hospital and has not yet been identified. At least 39 people were injured after police said the gunman opened fire on the parade from a rooftop.
Victims include a lifelong member of a local synagogue and a loving grandfather.
WATCH: Lake County medical examiner identifies Highland Park parade shooting victims
The Lake County Coroner identified the slain victims as:
- Katherine Goldstein, 64, of Highland Park
- Irina McCarthy, 35, of Highland Park
- Kevin McCarthy, 37, of Highland Park
- Jacqueline Sundheim, 63, of Highland Park
- Stephen Strouse, 88, of Highland Park
- Nicolas Toledo-Zargoza, 78, of Morelos, Mexico
Irina and Kevin McCarthy’s 2-year-old son was found wandering alone after Monday’s shooting and was safely reunited with his grandparents.
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“When we pulled up, it looked like the cops were getting ready for war; I will never forget. I stopped and said “this is not our child. It is not his blood; he is well. What should we do? ‘ And the cop said, “We can’t be babysitters now; can you look after him?” We said ‘sure,'” said parade attendee Greg Ring.
Stephen Strouse was a financial adviser who still commuted by train every day to his office at a brokerage firm in Chicago, his family said.
“He was an honorable man who worked all his life,” a niece said. “He shouldn’t have died this way.”
Nicolas Toledo-Zargoza’s family said he worked in the Highland Park area for many years after arriving in the U.S. in the 1980s.
In a statement, his grandson said: “My grandfather was a funny man. He was always joking and playful with his grandchildren…he spent his last days swimming, fishing and being with his family.”
He was retired and lived in Mexico, but came in the summer to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
The North Bank Congregation in Israel confirmed that Sundheim was a lifelong congregant and staff member of the synagogue.
In a statement, the congregation said, “…our beloved Jackie Sundheim was one of the victims killed in the Highland Park parade.”
They continued to call her a valuable member known for her kindness and warmth.
Katie Goldstein’s husband and daughters said the same about her. No one ever met a nicer, her husband said.
Police said Tuesday that no children were killed, but a seventh victim died at an Evanston hospital, police said Tuesday afternoon.
WATCH: A doctor attending the parade recalls caring for the victims
Dr. Wendy Rush was at the parade and attended to the injured.
“We heard the gunfire and then it stopped and multiple people all sprung into action,” Dr. Rush said. “People identified themselves as doctors, as nurses, anyone who could help, had special skills. In our field as an anesthesiologist, we have very specialized skills in managing people’s breathing. We’re very well trained in CPR and advanced life support and starting IVs and people were just helping everywhere.”
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Among the approximately 39 people wounded or injured in the attack were Chicago Public Schools teacher Zoe Kolpack and her husband, Steven.
Although their children were not injured, the educator’s father and son-in-law were also shot and wounded. Kolpak teaches at Dever Elementary.
CPS said in a statement: “Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is devastated to learn that one of our CPS teachers and her family members were among those injured in Monday’s mass shooting in Highland Park. Our thoughts go out to our colleague at William Dever Elementary and her family, as well as everyone affected by this tragedy. CPS officials have contacted the teacher and her family, and our crisis team and support services will be available to support Dever Elementary staff and students as needed.”
Highland Park Hospital officials said nine people remained hospitalized Tuesday, ranging in age from 14 to 70.
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Four are in good condition, four are stable and one, a 69-year-old man, is in critical condition. Eight of the nine patients were shot.
One patient, an 8-year-old boy, was taken to the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital.
Communities hold vigils after Highland Park shooting
There were multiple interfaith prayer vigils held Tuesday afternoon and evening and into the following days as the community grieved and took steps to heal.
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