An 8-year-old boy remains in critical condition after a bullet from the mass shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade sliced through his spine.
Cooper Roberts was described Thursday in “critical but stable” condition at the University of Chicago Children’s Hospital.
After being shot in the chest at the parade, he was airlifted there on Monday.
Cooper was at the parade with her family, including her mother, Keeley Roberts, who was also shot and is recovering, according to the family.
His twin brother, Luke, was treated for shrapnel wounds to the leg.
Cooper’s situation is more dire. He is believed to be paralyzed from the waist down, according to his family.
“After several surgeries, the little boy is fighting as hard as he can,” according to a GoFundMe set up to raise $500,000 to help the family cover medical expenses. “His medical bills will be significant, as will the therapy that follows.”
Seven people were killed and dozens injured when a gunman with a high-powered rifle fired dozens of bullets from a rooftop into a crowd celebrating the Fourth of July in downtown Highland Park. Robert Crimo III, 21, is charged with murder in the mass shooting and has confessed, according to prosecutors.
Cooper, who was an active child and loved sports, is sedated and on a ventilator to help him breathe, Roberts family spokesman Anthony Loisy said Thursday.
“This is going to be a new normal for him going forward,” Loisy said, relaying statements from Cooper’s family. “They’re not sure because of the severed spinal cord if he’ll be able to walk again in the future.”
University of Chicago officials confirmed the boy’s condition but declined to comment.
Cooper’s last surgery was Wednesday night, according to Loizzi.
Cooper, his brother, mother and father Jason went to the Fourth of July parade as they have done in the past.
Zion Elementary School District 6 Superintendent Keeley Roberts underwent two surgeries after being shot Monday.
Zion Elementary School District 6
Keely Roberts was shot in the foot and leg and underwent two surgeries before being released from the hospital Wednesday, said Loisy, who is also the attorney for the Zion Elementary School District.
“After she had her second surgery and then got the news that Cooper’s spinal cord had been severed, she told her doctors and nurses that they had to discharge her or she would go out on her own because she had to be with her son,” Loisy said .
Luke Roberts had shrapnel removed from his lower body, although some pieces were left because “removal would have caused more damage,” Loisi said.
Cooper and Luke “are more than twins — they’re best friends, partners in crime,” their 26-year-old sister Peyton said in a written statement.
Peyton Roberts, who did not attend the parade, described Cooper as an athletic boy who loved football, baseball and soccer.
The boy, who hasn’t been able to speak to his family since he was shot, “is the funniest and most engaging storyteller you’ll ever meet,” his sister said.
Cooper Roberts is an engaging storyteller and very athletic, his sister says. He has not been able to speak to his family since he was shot. They say he is paralyzed from the waist down.
Add Comment