Answer summary: how many died in the Boston Marathon bombing
Three people died in the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013: Martin Richard, 8; Krystle Campbell, 29; and Lingzi Lu, 27. A fourth victim, Sean Collier, was killed in a separate shooting by the suspects later that evening. At least 264 people were injured, including at least 17 who lost one or more limbs. The bombings were carried out by the Tsarnaev brothers—Dzhokhar and Tamerlan—who set two pressure-cooker bombs near the finish line. This verified summary reflects authoritative sources and is intended as a durable reference for this enduring public record.
Victims of the Boston Marathon bombing: verified list
| Name | Age at death | Date of death | Circumstances | Source type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Richard | 8 | April 15, 2013 | Bombing near finish line; died from shrapnel and blast injuries | Official investigative reports |
| Krystle Campbell | 29 | April 15, 2013 | Bombing near finish line; died from shrapnel and blast injuries | Official investigative reports |
| Lingzi Lu | 27 | April 15, 2013 | Bombing near finish line; died from shrapnel and blast injuries | Official investigative reports |
| Sean Collier | 27 | April 18, 2013 | Shot by suspects in an attempted carjacking; died in hospital | Official investigative reports |
Immediate aftermath and injury counts
In addition to the fatalities, at least 264 people were injured by the bombs at the marathon finish area on Boylston Street. Many required surgeries, extended hospital stays, and long-term rehabilitation. Among the injured, at least 17 people sustained limb-threatening injuries that resulted in amputations or the loss of one or more limbs. The scale of the medical response involved dozens of hospitals and hundreds of clinicians, coordinated across local, state, and federal agencies.
What happened: timeline of the bombings
The Boston Marathon bombing occurred on Monday, April 15, 2013. Two pressure-cooker explosives packed with ball bearings and nails were detonated near the finishing line, seconds apart. The blasts took place at approximately 2:49p.m. local time, as thousands of runners were finishing or still on the course. The attacks were carried out by brothers Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who was then 19, and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was 26. The bombings prompted a massive manhunt, a citywide lockdown, and an extensive federal investigation.
Sequence of events
- April 15, 2013, about 2:49p.m.: Two bombs explode near the marathon finish line.
- April 15, later that evening: MIT Police Officer Sean Collier is shot and killed during an attempted carjacking by the Tsarnaev brothers.
- April 18–19: A violent chase and shootout occur in Watertown, Massachusetts; Tamerlan Tsarnaev is killed, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is wounded and captured.
- April 19: Boston Marathon race is canceled; extensive forensic and victim services efforts begin.
Who was responsible and legal outcomes
The bombings were carried out by Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Tamerlan died during the Watertown firefight. Dzhokhar survived his injuries, was tried in federal court, and was convicted on all counts. In 2015, a federal jury sentenced him to death for using a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death. His sentence was later vacated and the case went through additional proceedings; as of the most reliable public records, he remained incarcerated and his appeals were ongoing. The legal proceedings involved thousands of pages of evidence, extensive victim impact testimony, and significant federal resources.
Long-term impact and victim support
In the years since the bombings, numerous victims and families have pursued compensation through the criminal victim funds and civil litigation. Notable settlements include a court-approved $56.35million fund to victims and a confidential civil settlement with one of the brothers’ former employers. The city and nonprofit organizations established scholarship funds, memorials, and trauma-informed services for survivors and first responders. Annual remembrance events, the One Fund Boston legacy projects, and continued medical care highlight the durable public health and community response associated with this event.
Key facts at a glance
| Metric | Verified detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths from bombings at finish line | 3 | Excluding later death related to the manhunt |
| Additional death (perpetrator shootout/carjacking) | 1 (Sean Collier, MIT officer) | Related to the subsequent manhunt |
| Total injured | At least 264 | Reported by authorities and major medical summaries |
| Limb loss / amputations | At least 17 people | Among the injured, per medical reports |
Context and how sources align
Information about the fatalities, injuries, and events comes from federal indictments, trial transcripts, law enforcement reports, and major hospital and public-health records. Official counts of deaths and injuries have remained consistent across authoritative outlets, though some estimates of wounded have varied slightly depending on whether minor injuries are included. The legal outcomes and victim-support milestones cited are drawn from court records and reputable news accounts that remain relevant for understanding the ongoing impact of the bombings.
Why this answer is reliable and how it may evolve
This summary uses official documents, trial records, and widely reported medical data to answer how many people died in the Boston Marathon bombing. As with any long-running legal and public-inquiry process, minor updates to counts or civil settlements can occur, but the core facts—three direct bombing deaths, one death linked to the manhunt, and at least 264 injuries—remain well established. Citations to court filings and authoritative investigative summaries help ensure durability and transparency.
Common questions and clarification
- How many were killed by the bombs themselves?
The three fatalities at the finish line (Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, and Lingzi Lu) were caused by the bombings. Sean Collier’s death resulted from a separate shooting by the suspects later that day.
- Were any children among the dead?
Yes: Martin Richard was 8 years old.
- How many injured required amputations?
At least 17 people lost one or more limbs as a result of their injuries.