Friends and neighbours of 26-year-old Bethany MaGee describe her as soft-spoken, intelligent and deeply rooted in a loving family background. Her loved ones say she was a former honors student, an avid reader and active in her church community.
MaGee hails from a small, tight-knit town in Indiana where neighbours say the MaGee family was well-known for their warmth and close family ties. They say she worked hard, held an analytical role in business, and had a humble, gentle demeanour.
The young woman suffered life-threatening burn injuries after a man allegedly set her ablaze aboard a downtown Chicago train on November 17. The attacker reportedly ignited her with gasoline, leaving her hospitalized with extensive burns over much of her body.
Now, family friends and the local community are rallying in support as MaGee undergoes critical care, sharing memories of her kindness and the loving family that raised her.