Sydney Aiello survived the mass shooting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, but the ordeal still proved to be too much to bear. Aiello’s mother revealed that the 19-year-old took her own life last weekend. She struggled severely after the tragedy.
Cara Aiello told CBS Miami that her daughter was on campus when the shooting took place, and experienced survivor’s guilt, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. She said Sydney was going to college, but had trouble attending classes out of of fear of being in a classroom.
One of the victims of the Feb. 14, 2018 shooting, Meadow Pollack, was a close friend of Sydney’s. Pollack’s father told the Miami Herald that his “heart goes out to those poor, poor parents.” He recalled how close the girls were.
“It’s terrible what happened. Meadow and Sydney were friends for a long, long time,” he said. “Killing yourself is not the answer.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the Aiello family, in Sydney’s honor. The raising page has the following message:
Sydney spent 19 years writing her story as a beloved daughter, sister and friend to many. She lit up every room she entered. She filled her days cheerleading, doing yoga, and brightening up the days of others. Sydney aspired to work in the medical field helping others in need.
On March 17th, 2019 Sydney became the guardian angel to many.
It was a privilege to have you in our lives. Sydney, we will miss you and always love you. May you find peace in His arms.
The shooting claimed the lives of 17 people. Seventeen others were injured and many more were traumatized by the mass shooting. The suspect, Nikolas Cruz, appeared in court on Friday, the same day as Sydney Aiello’s funeral.
[Image via CBS Miami]
