8 Year-Old Martin Richard: 'Vivacious Little Kid,' Killed by a Bomb at the Boston Marathon (Video)

By Jared Feldschreiber | Apr 16, 2013 01:41 PM EDT

Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy was killed on Monday on the corner of Fairfield "reaching out for his dad," near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday. Richard's mother underwent brain surgery. His sister, a 6-year-old, lost a leg in the blast, WHDH.com reported. The status of his father, Williams, has not been released publicly.

"They were looking in the crowd as the runners were coming to see if they could identify some of their friends when the bomb hit," one eyewitness said said.

Hospitals reported that at least 176 people were injured, with at least 17 remain critically injured by the dual bombings, which hit the heart of downtown Boston on Monday afternoon at about 3 p.m.

Neighbor Jane Sherman told the press that Martin was a lovable 8-year-old who enjoyed riding his bicycle and playing baseball.

"There are no words to describe how they are feeling... we are feeling," Sherman said.

"I can just remember his mother calling him, 'Martin!'if he was doing something wrong," she added. "Just a vivacious little kid."

Counselors were being made available Tuesday to staff and students at the Neighborhood House Charter School, where Martin attended. Bodi Luse said

"We are devastated. The whole community is devastated," Bodi Luse, the director of development said.

Another neighbor Betty Delorey, who is 80-years, said Martin loved to climb the neighborhood trees and hop the fence outside his home.

"I can just remember his mother calling him, 'Martin!' if he was doing something wrong," she said. "Just a vivacious little kid."

Krystle M. Campbell, a 29-year-old from Medford, Massachusetts was identified as the second victim on Tuesday.  "My daughter was the most lovable girl. She helped everybody, and I'm just so shocked right now. We're just devastated," her father William  said. "She was a wonderful, wonderful girl. Always willing to lend a hand." 

More Sections