One of the young victims in the Connecticut shooting massacre was a special needs student who died in the arms of his beloved teacher's aide, the child's parents said.
Dylan Hockley, 6, was found wrapped in the arms of Ann Marie Murphy, 52, who pulled the boy close to her as she tried to shield him from the spray of bullets that killed them both.
"We take great comfort in knowing that Dylan was not alone when he died," his parents, Ian and Nicole Hockley, said Monday, according to the Connecticut Post.
Dylan adored Murphy, whom his parents described as "amazing," and he would point to her picture on the family's refrigerator every day.
The Hockley family moved to Sandy Hook two years ago from England, in love with the sense of community and the elementary school that their boys, Dylan and Jake, would attend. Dylan's mother, Nicole, is American, and his father, Ian, is British.
They moved into a house on the same street as the mother of the shooter, Adam Lanza.
In a statement, the family said their youngest boy had thrived at Sandy Hook.
"We do not and shall never regret this choice," the Hockleys said. "Our boys have flourished here and our family's happiness has been limitless."
Dylan had a beaming smile. He played tag every morning at the bus stop with neighbors, bounced on the trampoline and played computer games. He loved the color purple, seeing the moon and chocolate. He was learning to read and was proud to show off his new skills to his parents. Jake was his best friend and role model.
"We love you Mister D," the Hockleys wrote in their statement.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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