In the small town of Dudley, Massachusetts, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on February 3, 2017, forever changing the lives of the Lorente family. Eleven-year-old Alejandro "AJ" Lorente, a White male, passed away in a tragic accident at his home. Born in Worcester on April 30, 2005, to his parents Anthony and Angela, AJ was a vibrant and cherished older brother to his two younger siblings, Izabella and Jacoby.
A sixth-grade student at Dudley Middle School, AJ was an active and engaged
member of his community, playing for the Dudley Youth Soccer League. He was known for his big smile and an even bigger heart that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Family vacations to Wisconsin were a source of great joy for him, as was his love for fishing. A spirited supporter of the Minnesota Vikings, he found particular delight in playfully teasing his father whenever he was the one to catch a fish.
The community was deeply shaken by the news of AJ's death, which was determined to be the result of an accidental shooting. In the wake of this devastating event, there were no reports of any arrests or suspects, as the incident was classified as a tragic accident. The focus for the community and law enforcement was on supporting the grieving family through an unimaginably difficult time.
A funeral Mass was held for AJ on February 10, 2017, at Saint John's Church in Worcester, followed by his entombment at Notre Dame Mausoleum. He was survived by his loving parents, siblings, grandparents, and a wide circle of extended family and friends. The profound loss of this young boy with a bright spirit served as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and left a void in the hearts of all who knew him.
