Philippines

Chicago Doctor, Nurse Among 7 Killed in Philippines Van Crash

Now as the communities mourn the loss of two medical professionals trying to give back to their home countries, they remember them for how they lived.

A Chicago-area nurse and doctor volunteering abroad were among seven people killed in a crash in the Philippines over the weekend.

In Orland Hills Tuesday children sang at mass celebrating the feast of St. Elizabeth Seton. Aurora Gagni had been an active parishioner there since 2011. Now the church community is grappling with her death.

“I don’t think--until the wake or the funeral--people will believe what happened," said Rev. Bill Corcoran. "It just seems like a very bad dream."

The mother of two and grandmother was a nurse by profession who loved to create floral arrangements at the church, Corcoran said.

“Our parish has that attitude that people give of their talents," he said. "And her talent was flowers and design and she gave of it. She was just great that way.”

Gagni was one of seven people killed in the Philippines when a tour van crashed into a tree over the weekend. The group of doctors and nurses had been on a medical mission to treat patients in need.

Chicago doctor Nunilo Rubio Sr., a respected endocrinologist who had served as medical director for 25 years at Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, also died in the crash.

“Dr. Nunilo Rubio was a beloved member of our community," the medical facility said in a statement. "His generosity, compassion and commitment to our patients, hospital staff and his fellow clinicians was truly special. The entire Rubio family is in our thoughts and prayers today.”

Police in the Philippines say a preliminary investigation indicates that the tour van driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Now as the communities mourn the loss of two medical professionals trying to give back to their home countries, they remember them for how they lived.

“She was doing something she loved--giving back," Corcoran said.

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