Chicago doctor, Orland Hills nurse killed in Philippines van crash

ORLAND HILLS, Ill. (WLS) -- A goodwill mission for a local doctor and nurse ended tragically when they were killed in the Philippines after traveling there to help people in need of care.

In Chicago, condolences poured in for the doctor who gave so much to his community. And in southwest suburban Orland Hills word is slowly traveling to parishioners at St. Elizabeth Seton they've lost one of their own.

"People are stunned, her family is in shock. They don't realize what happened," said Reverend Bill Corcoran.

Rev. Corcoran knows it is a devastating time for Aurora Gagni's family. She is survived by her husband and two children. Besides being a nurse, Gagni would also volunteer at St. Elizabeth Seton, where her floral skills were often on display in the sanctuary.

Gagni was one of seven people killed in a van crash in the Philippines over the weekend, part of a humanitarian effort to help the less fortunate. Police said their driver fell asleep and slammed into a tree while passengers slept.

Riding with her, and also killed, was Chicago doctor Nunilo Rubio. He was part of the Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth family. He served as Medical Director of Endocrinology for more than 20 years.

A Presence Health spokesperson said in part, "His generosity, compassion and commitment to our patients...was truly special. ...It's also demonstrated by his many medical mission trips to the Philippines to help those in need,"

In Orland Hills, Rev. Corcoran is preparing for his parishioners to come together to remember their lost loved one.