A Father’s Anguish: “Why?” Haunts Diego Damian as Daughter Fights for Life

Diego Damian wrestles with an unanswerable question, “Why?” It’s a question he’s asked countless times in the seven weeks since a mass shooting shattered his family. He lost his former mother-in-law, ex-wife, and son, while his teenage daughter clings to life in a hospital bed.

“Losing one person is devastating, but to lose three at once, and have another fighting for their life… It’s hard to comprehend,” Diego shared from his daughter’s hospital room.

On July 24th, a senseless act of domestic violence claimed the lives of 59-year-old Damiana Moreno, 40-year-old Amy Damian, and 20-year-old Christopher Damian. His daughter, 13-year-old Olivia Moreno, miraculously survived but suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

The shooter, Eric Adams, targeted his ex-girlfriend’s apartment, killing two others before turning his rage on the Damian family upstairs. Christopher was fatally shot while trying to help those downstairs.

Diego grapples with the conflicting emotions of gratitude for Olivia’s survival and the profound grief of losing his son. Christopher was recently honored with a citizen service award for his bravery that night. “I would tell him I love him,” Diego said, tears welling up. “It’s hard to accept that he’s gone.”

Olivia, who was in a coma for weeks, has recently begun to show signs of progress, uttering her first words. “She said ‘Mom’,” Diego shared, a poignant reminder of their loss.

Doctors are cautiously optimistic about Olivia’s recovery, but the extent of her brain injury remains unclear. The family faces mounting medical bills and the need for specialized therapy not covered by insurance. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with these expenses.

Diego, still reeling from the tragedy, focuses on Olivia’s recovery. “We lost so much at once,” he said. “It’s hard to process. Right now, Olivia is our priority.”

The apartments where the shooting occurred remain vacant, a stark reminder of the lives shattered and the questions that will forever remain unanswered.

Source: 8 News Now