Pennsylvania Mom Cradles Her Dying Only Child, 14, after a Shooting: 'He Wasn't Alone'

One mother from Delaware County's Haverford neighborhood adored her son. They had a one-of-a-kind bond and loved spending time together. The doting parent never imagined her worst nightmare would become a reality, but it did.

Meredith Elizalde and her son Nicolas Elizalde had the kind of relationship many parents dream about. They got along effortlessly thanks to mutual respect and love, and mom Meredith knew her son was destined for great things.

She imagined him changing the world and shared that watching him grow up was like raising Gandhi. He was a gentle soul, and she felt honored to be his mother.

He Was an Inspirational Youngster

The youngster attended Walter B. Saul High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and showed lots of promise. He was passionate and stood against hatred, eager to make a difference in the world.

Nobody could have guessed that so much heartbreak and devastation were waiting around the corner.

Nicolas played football at the Roxborough High School in Philadelphia, and his family was preparing to move to the area so he could pursue his extracurricular activity with more ease.

Tragedy Struck

Nicolas had already made a few friends in Roxborough and looked forward to the next chapter in his life. Like most young people, he believed he had many happy years ahead of him.

However, his youth and future were ripped away violently on September 27, 2022. Tragedy struck unexpectedly on a day that started like any other.

She Knew Something Was Wrong

Nobody could have guessed that so much heartbreak and devastation were waiting around the corner. Meredith excitedly waited in the car, ready to collect her son from a high school football scrimmage, when the unthinkable occurred.

She heard gunshots, and her maternal instinct kicked in. Meredith shared:

"I heard the shooting start and I didn’t know where he was, but inside as a mother, I knew it."

Their Final Moment Together

While Meredith didn't know exactly what was happening, she knew her son was in danger. She put her safety aside and ran toward where the shots were coming from. The mother detailed the heart-shattering last moment with her son:

"I couldn’t get him, but I held him and I felt him leave. But I was holding him. He wasn’t alone."

Her precious 14-year-old was struck during the shooting incident. His promising future faded away in the blink of an eye. The emotional mom could barely contain her tears as she spoke about her son, the light of her life.

As he took his final breaths, Meredith repeatedly told him that she loved him and was with him. She didn't want her beloved boy to be alone during such a terrifying ordeal, so she held him until he was gone.

An Innocent Bystander

No mom or dad should have to bury their child, but sadly it is a reality for many. Meredith's world was turned upside down instantly, and she hoped her son's passing would not be in vain.

She wanted the world to know what a wonderful person Nicolas was. The proud mom said:

"Nick was the best son that anyone could ever ask for, that he was so special, that he never hurt anyone or anything."

Authorities were investigating the devastating ordeal and revealed that five gunmen were responsible. Four more teenagers were injured during the tragic shooting, and police believed Nicolas was just an innocent bystander at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Support for the Mother

The Roxborough community held a candlelight vigil in honor of the fallen angel. A friend of Meredith's, Jamel Harris, attended the event to show her support and shared:

"He was a good kid. I know people say that all the time, but he was a genuinely good kid."

During an interview, the mother looked longingly at photos of Nicolas that hung on her home's wall. She shared that he never cried as a baby, and thus she always knew he would grow into a remarkable young man.

She was devastated to be robbed of seeing him reach his full potential. However, she found comfort in believing that God took Nicolas because he was the purest human on Earth.

The Online Response

Netizens were shocked by the incident, and their thoughts went to Nicolas' mom. Many users offered their condolences and hoped God would give Meredith the strength she needed to keep going amid the pain and heartbreak:

"Thankfully she was there with him but NO mother should have to hold their dying 14-year-old. This is senseless!!!"

- (Carol Derrickson) September 29, 2022

"Just saw the mom on the news, this is so heartbreaking. I feel so bad for her. No parent should have to bury a child, especially from such senseless violence."

- (Raymond Amoroso) September 30, 2022

"There are no words. It’s beyond devastating. I pray for the family for the loss of such a precious young man and son."

- (Karen Johnson) September 30, 2022

Meredith faced every parent's worst nightmare, and we send our heartfelt sympathies to her and Nicolas's loved ones. RIP, angel.

Click here for a story about a five-year-old boy from Tennessee. He dreamed about becoming a football player or a firefighter, but it was not meant to be.