Clinton comforts family of teen supporter who died last week

The family of Caileigh McDowell shared a private moment with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton before her rally Wednesday evening at Carnegie Mellon University.

Caileigh, 17, a staunch Clinton supporter, died Saturday of complications from Crohn's disease. She lived in Forest Hills and attended Woodland Hills High School.

Family members spent 15 minutes with the former secretary of State in a room at CMU, said Caileigh's aunt Lynn Banaszak, who works as executive director of the Disruptive Health Technology Institute at CMU.

“She was very touched and very compassionate about the enormity of the loss to our family,” said Banaszak, who was in the meeting with Caileigh's parents, younger brother and others. “We explained how bittersweet it was that we were standing with her without our Caileigh, who admired her so much.”

The Tribune-Review profiled Caileigh in a story published Wednesday. Banaszak said a Clinton staff member told her that he saw the article online earlier in the day.

“The meeting was emotional for all of us,” Banaszak said. “The secretary was very sincere. That came through.”

Clinton posed for a selfie with Caileigh's younger brother, Christian, 11.

“She had a very nice conversation with him about following his dreams and doing whatever it is he has a passion for,” Banaszak said. “Just like Caileigh.”

Caileigh's funeral is at 1 p.m. Thursday in St. Maurice Church in Forest Hills.

Ben Schmitt is a Tribune-Review staff writer.