For the first time since a woman was brutally set on fire while riding a Blue Line train in the Loop, her family has gone public with her name and photos in a GoFundMe campaign.
Bethany MaGee, 26, remains in critical condition following the November 17 attack that has dominated local and national headlines for nearly a week. The man accused of carrying out the assault, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, is being detained pending trial on federal terrorism charges.
On Tuesday, MaGee’s older brother, John, stepped forward to identify his sister as the victim as he launched a GoFundMe campaign. While some out-of-town news outlets and online accounts had already named Bethany, CWBChicago and most other news organizations withheld her identity in keeping with her family’s early wishes and in line with standard journalism practices against naming crime victims without permission.
John MaGee said on Tuesday that he wants to continue to respect his sister’s privacy as much as possible.
“This will be her story to tell, or not to tell, in the future,” he wrote in the GoFundMe.
MaGee said most of his sister’s immediate medical costs will be covered by insurance and a victims’ fund.
“With such a long road ahead of her, the freedom from financial worries would be a tremendous blessing,” he wrote. “No gifts are expected, but any that are given will go directly to Bethany.”
As of late Tuesday afternoon, the campaign had already raised more than $19,000 toward its initial $24,000 goal.
Here is what John MaGee wrote in the campaign narrative:
On November 17, Bethany MaGee was riding a CTA train in Chicago when she was attacked. She is currently hospitalized with the severe burns she sustained, and she is receiving treatment under the excellent care of her medical team.
In response to the countless requests for a way to help, our family is setting up this GoFundMe on Bethany’s behalf. Many of her immediate medical expenses are covered by insurance and a victims fund, but with such a long road ahead of her, the freedom from financial worries would be a tremendous blessing. No gifts are expected, but any that are given will go directly to Bethany.
We also want to do what we can to respect her privacy. This will be her story to tell—or not to tell—in the future. We ask that we not be contacted with media inquiries or requests for further information or medical updates, as our priority at this time is making sure that we love Bethany well and give her the support she needs.
What we can say, is this: Bethany is a beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter, and aunt. She is a good friend. She is sensitive, caring, intelligent, and imaginative. She loves living in Chicago, and her gentle spirit makes her a favorite with every pet she meets. She enjoys playing tabletop and video games with her community, and she is quick to include others in conversations and make them feel welcome. She is kind.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we are so grateful for the chance to celebrate at Bethany’s side. Thank you for keeping her and our family in your prayers.
The MaGees
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