Boston bombing victim, 31, who suffered devastating burns proposes to nurse he met in rehab

  • James 'Bim' Costello was at the Boston Marathon finish line with childhood friends when they were all injured in the blasts
  • He needed pig skin grafts to help heal burns on his arm and leg
  • While in rehab he met nurse Krista D'Agostino and convinced her to attend a benefit with him - and they've been together ever since
  • He proposed while they took a trip to Europe with other survivors

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 16:44 EST, 16 December 2013 | UPDATED: 18:26 EST, 16 December 2013

A Boston bombing victim who suffered serious burns to his arms and legs has proposed to a nurse he met during his recovery.

James Costello, 31, from Malden, Massachusetts, popped the question to Krista D'Agostino while on a 10-day trip to Europe for bombing survivors - and she said yes.

The heartwarming news comes eight months after Costello headed to the marathon finish line with five childhood friends. The bombs exploded nearby, killing three and injuring more than 270.

Costello was famously pictured looking dazed walking through the debris-strewn streets with his clothes torn to shreds by the blasts.

Happiness: Boston bombing victim 31-year-old James Costello, left, has proposed to Krista D'Agostino, a nurse he met at a rehabilitation center as he overcame his injuries

Happiness: Boston bombing victim 31-year-old James Costello, left, has proposed to Krista D'Agostino, a nurse he met at a rehabilitation center as he overcame his injuries following the April tragedy

Joy: D'Agostino reveals her engagement ring in Lyon, France, where Costello popped the question

Joy: D'Agostino reveals her engagement ring in Lyon, France, where Costello popped the question

His right arm and right leg suffered such serious burns that he needed pig skin grafts.

'April 15 was one of the worst days of my life,' Costello, known as 'Bim' to his friends, wrote in a Facebook post. 'I soon wondered why and for what reason this had happened.'

 

More...

But from the pain he found joy. After undergoing multiple surgeries at Massachusetts General Hospital, he was moved to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital - where he first saw Krista D'Agostino.

'A few days later I saw a nurse in passing, this would turn out to be Krista, who had shared a few mutual friends, but we had never crossed paths before,' he wrote.

Pain: Costello is pictured in the streets moments after the blasts at the Boston Marathon finish line

Pain: Costello is pictured in the streets moments after the blasts at the Boston Marathon finish line

'After sharing a handful of conversations I realized not only how beautiful she was but also what a kind heart she had. I somehow convinced her to attend a benefit with me, which turned into a few dates, which turned into a few inseparable months.'

The couple are now abroad in Europe with other victims and first responders who are enjoying a 'Heroes Cruise'. While in Lyon, France, Costello proposed to D'Agostino.

'I'm happy to announce that we will spend the rest of our lives together,' he said. 'I now realized why I was involved in the tragedy. It was to meet my best friend, and the love of my life.'

In a Facebook photo, D'Agostino showed off her engagement ring, with Lyon's carousel in the background. Hundreds of friends shared their congratulations with the couple.

His friends also suffered life-changing injuries, with three of the men, including brothers Paul and J.P. Norden, each losing a leg.

Injuries: He suffered serious burns to his right leg and right arm and needed pig skin grafts to heal

Injuries: He suffered serious burns to his right leg and right arm and needed pig skin grafts to heal

Stunning: He called D'Agostino, pictured left with a friend, 'not only beautiful but kind hearted'

Stunning: He called D'Agostino, pictured left with a friend, 'not only beautiful but kind hearted'

Another friend, Marc Fucarile, became the last victim to leave the hospital after 100 days of treatment for broken bones and a piece of shrapnel lodged near his heart.

Mike Jefferson, the school buddy they came to cheer on at the marathon, was the only one spared.

The men, who met at elementary school or youth clubs in the small Massachusetts town of Stoneham, grew up at each others' houses.

As for Costello, he worked through rehabilitation, undergoing daily physical therapy to strengthen his weakened leg muscles. Metal shavings of bomb debris continue to work their way out of skin on his right arm.


Comments (263)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

This guy was just outed on a youtube video! It shows him cutting his parts with the a box cutter. People look at the picture! The guys pants are still intact from the knee down. Are you guys really this stupid? I guess so.

5
1
 Click to rate

Might he have been cutting his trousers to get them off his injured legs? His legs are clearly injured.

0
3
 Click to rate

Bless!!! :)

0
3
 Click to rate

John Smith, Los Angeles, United States, 10 minutes ago What does this bloke do for a living? I will take a wild guess and say he is either current or former military. This clowns wardrobe on the day of the "bombing" seems very hollywood and where is the shrapnel and how did his arms burn if the sleeves are still on his shirt? Serious burns to his arms would have burned his sleeves off. FAKE. People like you make me sick! What happened that day was awful, and those who were affected by the crime have enough to cope with without fools like you trotting out fantasies! The best of luck to this couple!

18
26
 Click to rate

What does this bloke do for a living? I will take a wild guess and say he is either current or former military. This clowns wardrobe on the day of the "bombing" seems very hollywood and where is the shrapnel and how did his arms burn if the sleeves are still on his shirt? Serious burns to his arms would have burned his sleeves off. FAKE.

71
18
 Click to rate

all these negative posters are just jealous that he's getting happy endings from a nurse! good luck to them!

7
47
 Click to rate

Nice story from a bad event. All the nurses complaining that there may have been an ethical issue here are probably fat.

17
53
 Click to rate

Wishing them both a wonderful life together.

1
52
 Click to rate

Well she is worth the pain my man ! Good luck to you both .

2
48
 Click to rate

GUESS IT BEAT THE DATING SITES !!! BUT WILL IT LAST, MOTHER TERESA CARE GIVER MAY GROW TIRED OF HAVING TO PAMPER IN REAL LIFE OR IS IT REAL LOVE ? TIME WILL TELL HOPE THEY ARE HAPPY

37
3
 Click to rate

Am so happy for both of you. Congratulations

1
57
 Click to rate

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now