The Boston section of Dorchester is mourning the loss of the first victim identified in Monday's explosions at the Boston Marathon and praying for the recovery of several members of the family.

Martin Richard
Boston Mararthon explosion victim Martin Richard (Twitter)
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8-year-old Martin Richard has been identified by a number of media outlets including his neighborhood newspaper, the Dorchester Reporter.

In a statement, Martin's father William said in a statement., "My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers." He also asked for "patience and privacy" as his family recovers.

A single candle was lit in a window of the family's home;  the word "Peace" was written in chalk on the front walkway.

The family attended the family to cheer on Bill Richard's run in the Marathon according to WHDH TV.  Martin's 7-year-old sister Jane suffered a major injury to her leg while their mother Denise had emergency surgery on her brain. She also lost a leg.  Another child was not injured.

According to Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen Martin had run out to hug his dad as he finished the Marathon and then went back to the sidewalk as his dad continued onto a tent for runners. Seconds later the bomb went off.

Candle in the window of the home of Richard Martin
Candle in the window of the home of Richard Martin (WCVB TV)
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“They are beloved by this community,” City Councilor at Large Ayanna Pressley told the Boston Globe who was among the mourners. “They contribute in many ways. That’s why you see this outpouring. It’s surreal, it’s tragic’’ Many members of the Ashmont neighborhood gathered at a restaurant.

Neighbor Betty Delorey says Martin loved to climb the neighborhood trees, and hop the fence outside his home.

The children's father, Bill, is the director of a local community group. The boy's mother, Denise, works at the Neighborhood House Charter School, where her children attend classes.


She and ex-husband Charlie Sheen have two daughters and no sons.

STATEMENT FROM BILL RICHARDS

A statement from the family of Martin Richard, who was killed: “My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers.

I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin. We also ask for your patience and for privacy as we work to simultaneously grieve and recover. Thank you.”




The Associated Press contributed to this story

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