Boston Marathon bombing survivor, 2 Toronto men, killed in Dubai car crash

A college student who survived serious injuries in theBoston Marathon bombing was killed in a car accident in Dubai overthe weekendalong with two Canadians believed to be from Toronto.

A spokesman for Northeasternuniversity confirmed on Monday thatVictoria McGrath, 23,and her roommate atuniversity,PriscillaPerez Torres,wereamong those killed in thecrash Sunday.

• Cody Nixon, a former boxer, among 2 Canadians killed in Dubai Ferrari crash

• James Portuondo, 27, identified as 2nd Dubai Ferrari crash victim

Cody Nixon, a Toronto boxer and worldtraveller,was alsoamong those killed, his friends told CBC News. Another victimhas been identified by his family as 27-year-oldJamesPortuondoof Toronto.

The National newspaper in the United Arab Emiratesreported on the crash.The victims diedwhen the Ferrari slammed into a lamppost and split in halfaroundmidnight local time.Global Affairs Canada confirmed that two of the victims were Canadians.

Crystal Lopresti, Portuondo's sister, said Portuondo andNixon are cousins. In an email to CBC News Monday, she described Portuondoas a"beloved son, grandson, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle."

Lopresti said her brotherand Nixon were on holiday.

The two women were on a personal trip and not studyingabroad.

Boston Marathon Bombing survivor

McGrathreceived severe shrapnel injuries to her left legfrom the first of two bombs placed near the marathon finishline onApril 15, 2013. Three people were killed and more than 260 otherswere injured in the bombing.

Bruce Mendelsohn, who was attending a post-marathon party in abuilding overlooking the finish line,rushedoutside to help and sawMcGrath lying on the ground, bleeding heavily from her left leg.

Mendelsohn said he tied a scarf or T-shirt he found nearby aroundher leg as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, a move McGrath'sdoctor later told him saved her life. Mendelsohn flagged down afirefighter, who carried McGrath away from the scene in what becameone of the most widely used photographs from the bombing.

McGrath later tracked down her rescuers and formed friendshipswith them, Mendelsohn said.

"At the time, I was angry that anyone could do suchathing,"Mendelsohn said of the bombing. "Now I'm angrythatshe's beentaken from us."

A Northeastern spokesman said McGrath was scheduled to graduatethis spring from Northeastern's school ofbusiness. She wasoriginally from Weston, Connecticut.

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi declined to comment.Northeastern president Joseph E. Aoun sent a letterMondaynotifying the Northeastern community of the students' death.

'Devoted to helping others'

"She was devoted to helping others through leadership in studentorganizations and community service work,"Aoun said of McGrath.

Torres, who was also scheduled to graduate this spring, came toNortheastern from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, andwas passionate abouttravel and working on issues related to nutrition and women'shealth, Aoun said.

J.P. and Paul Norden, brothers who each lost a leg in thebombings, posted a photo of McGrath on their Facebookpage.

"Life can change in an instant...we know this only too well.Those who survived the Boston Marathon bombings ofApril 15, 2013all had a special bond ... our hearts are heavytonightafter hearingthat one of our fellow survivors losttheir life in a caraccident," reads a posting under the photo.

"A young energetic beautiful soul gone too soon...God bless youVictoria...until we meet again."