Watch Mom Accept Diploma For Her Son Who Was Killed In A Post-Prom Car Crash If You Haven’t Cried Yet Today

Wearing her late son’s cap and gown, Katherine Jackson sat with the graduating class of Chicago’s Thornton Fractional North High School Wednesday.

Jackson’s son, Aaron Dunigan, was one of two people killed in a car crash while on his way home from prom. The 18-year-old prom king and star quarterback died when the car his friend was driving crossed over a median and struck and oncoming vehicle. The person driving the other car, 56-year-old Metro worker, Juan Rivera, was also killed.

Dunigan, who was set to play football for Southern Illinois University in the fall, was honored and mourned at the ceremony by friends and family.

“I just wish he was here so we’d all celebrate together,” student Jasmine Bailey told NBC Chicago.

“[My son] knows his mom never walked the stage,” Katherine Jackson said. “I’m going to be his legs and he’s going to be my wings and we’re going to go up there and get our diploma. All of this was divinely orchestrated by my son.”

As we celebrate the long weekend with our friends and family, bros, lets make sure we appreciate their place in our lives. You never hear anyone have any regrets about telling people how much they mean to us. It’s an awkward subject to breach, but lets make a point to mention it. Even if it takes a couple beers to do it.


[H/T NBC Chicago]

 

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Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.