On Dec. 17 Chron posted an article about one of the Sandy Hook victims and his most unfortunate death. It seems that one of the little boys, Dylan Hockley, aged six, was autistic and had an aide, Anne Marie Murphy, who was also a victim in the shooting. Dylan died in his aide's arms. His parents, Ian and Nicole Hockley, say that Dylan loved his aide and would point to her picture on the fridge everyday. They find comfort in the fact that he didn't die alone.
Anne Marie Murphy was an advocate for Autism Speaks, an organization that helps family and the public learn about autism and how it effects our loved ones and the community. The Murphy family as well as the Hockley family say that it is a great organization and they plan to donate in her honor.
The Hockley's moved to Newtown from England specifically because of the Sandy Hook school and community. They have an older son, Jake, that also attends the school and has flourished as Dylan was also doing. They did not say whether Jake had any developmental disabilities as well. The Hockley's continue by saying that while the shooting there was tragic and they lost a very important life because of it, they will never regret the decision they made and will be staying there.
Nicole and Ian say that their happiness in Newtown has been limitless. Dylan looked up to his brother Jake as a role model and best friend. While this family feels the loss tremendously, having two special people removed from them at once, the stigma they find being quietly placed over the ASD community is something they hope doesn't last long.
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