Palace mourns Stephanie Nicole’s death

DEADLY BULLET. Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Director of the East Avenue Medical Center, displays a series of x-ray photos that show where the stray bullet that hit Stephanie Nicole Ella had lodged in her head. Photo by JAMIE MARIE ELONA/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Wednesday extended its deepest sympathies to the family of stray bullet victim 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella.

Ella died Wednesday afternoon at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City where she had lain in coma since early Tuesday after she was hit by a stray bullet during the New Year’s Eve revelry outside of their house in Caloocan City.

Following is the statement sent to media organizations by Secretary Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesperson, on the passing of Stephanie Nicole Ella:

‘‘Today, our nation comes together in grief. Stephanie Nicole Ella has passed away. She was only seven years old when she suffered a fatal head injury after being hit by a stray bullet on New Year’s Eve. Together with the Filipino people, we extend our deepest sympathies to Stephanie’s family. No one should experience the overwhelming heartbreak that her family is now enduring, especially during a season of celebration and hope.

‘‘This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how a reprehensible act from a thoughtless individual can rob our people, particularly our children, of their futures. For such a promising life to be lost in such a senseless way puts the burden on all of us to make certain that this tragedy is not repeated. We continue to call on all Filipinos: Let us consider the welfare of our countrymen by engaging in celebrations in a responsible and safe manner.’’