The family of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-ancient Loyola University Chicago freshman, is demanding answers following her murder early Thursday morning in the Rogers Park neighborhood. The tragedy has shaken the Loyola community and prompted a police investigation, with authorities seeking information about a masked gunman who opened fire on a group of students near Tobey Prinz Beach.
“Our beloved daughter, Sheridan, was taken from us this morning in Chicago. There is no way to soften this—this was murder,” the Gorman family stated in a release shared with NBC Chicago through their attorney. “Sheridan was the light of our lives. She made people sense seen, safe, and loved simply by being who she was. She lived her faith with kindness, compassion, and joy, and she loved her family and friends deeply.” The family’s grief underscores the devastating impact of gun violence and their urgent plea for justice.
Sheridan Gorman was a recent high school graduate and had just begun her college journey at Loyola University Chicago. A vigil held Thursday evening drew a large crowd of students, faculty, and community members, all mourning the loss of a young life cut short. The university has described the incident as a “tragic loss,” offering support to Gorman’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Details of the Shooting
According to police reports, the shooting occurred around 2:11 a.m. On March 19, 2026, in the 1000 block of West Pratt Boulevard, near Tobey Prinz Beach. Sheridan Gorman was walking with a group of friends when an unknown man, wearing a face covering, approached them and fired a gun in their direction. NBC Chicago reports that Gorman was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators are piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that witnesses told police the gunman, dressed in all black clothing and a ski mask, emerged from nearby brush and fired a single shot before fleeing. After initially scattering for safety, Gorman’s friends discovered her lying face down after returning to the scene. A single shell casing was found approximately 40 feet from where Gorman was located.
The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating the case and has requested assistance from the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact Campus Safety at 773-508-SAFE or the Chicago Police Department at 911 or 312-744-8263. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspect.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Sheridan Gorman has deeply affected the Loyola University Chicago community. University President Mark C. Reed released a statement expressing profound sadness and extending condolences to Gorman’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her. The university is providing counseling and support services to students and staff grappling with the loss. People Magazine highlighted the outpouring of grief and support following the tragic event.
The Gorman family’s statement emphasized Sheridan’s positive impact on those around her. “She made people feel seen, safe, and loved simply by being who she was,” they said. “She lived her faith with kindness, compassion, and joy, and she loved her family and friends deeply.” The family’s words paint a picture of a vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short.
Rising Concerns Over Campus Safety
This incident has reignited conversations about safety and security in the Rogers Park neighborhood and around Loyola University Chicago. While the university has a dedicated Campus Safety department, the shooting raises questions about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for increased vigilance. The proximity of the beach to the campus, a popular gathering spot for students, adds another layer of complexity to the issue.
Local residents have expressed concerns about rising crime rates in the area, and the shooting has amplified those fears. Community leaders are calling for increased police presence and improved lighting in public spaces to deter criminal activity. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community involvement in addressing safety concerns.
The Investigation and Pursuit of Justice
The Chicago Police Department is pursuing all leads in the investigation, including reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the shooting. The lack of immediate arrests has fueled the Gorman family’s demand for answers and their determination to see justice served.
“We trusted that she would be safe. That trust was broken. Someone made a deliberate choice that stole our daughter and forever changed our family,” the Gorman family stated. “We are demanding answers, and we will not stop until the person responsible is identified and brought to justice.” Their unwavering commitment to finding the perpetrator underscores the profound grief and anger they are experiencing.
The investigation is complicated by the suspect’s use of a face covering, which makes identification more challenging. However, authorities are confident that they will be able to gather enough evidence to bring the perpetrator to justice. The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Support for the Gorman Family and the Loyola Community
In the wake of this tragedy, numerous organizations and individuals have offered support to the Gorman family and the Loyola University Chicago community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance to the family. The university is also providing counseling services and other resources to students and staff affected by the shooting.
The outpouring of support demonstrates the strong sense of community that exists within Loyola and the broader Chicago area. Many individuals have shared their condolences and offered words of encouragement to the Gorman family and the university community. This collective expression of grief and solidarity serves as a testament to the enduring power of human connection.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing support to those affected by this senseless act of violence. The Chicago Police Department is committed to solving this case and ensuring that the community is safe. The Loyola University Chicago community is united in its grief and determination to honor Sheridan Gorman’s memory.
Authorities have not announced any arrests as of Friday, March 20, 2026. The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as they become available. The public is encouraged to continue to cooperate with law enforcement and share any information that may be relevant to the case.
If you have any information regarding the shooting, please contact Campus Safety at 773-508-SAFE or the Chicago Police Department at 911 or 312-744-8263.
We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. Please share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
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