CHICAGO — Tragedy struck on Chicago’s South Side Thursday evening when a teenage boy was fatally shot, according to police reports.
The victim, a 14-year-old boy, was reportedly a cherished member of the Midwest Hawks Youth Football organization. Program officials described him as deeply loved by his family and former teammates.
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Authorities responded to reports of a shooting in the Gresham neighborhood, specifically in the 8000 block of South Carpenter Street, shortly after 11:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the young boy suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, as confirmed by police statements.
The Chicago Fire Department provided on-site medical care before the victim was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
The teen has not yet been officially identified by the Cook County Medicals Examiner’s Office.
What led up to the shooting was not immediately clear. Officers taped off an alley as the searched for evidence.
Community activist pastor Donovan Price responded the scene Thursday night.
“When a child is shot, there are so many, so many people affected,” Price said. “I immediately start thinking of other kids who are going to be affected by this – teachers, coaches, family.”
Neighbors told ABC7 they heard as many as eight gunshots.
“It breaks my heart because I have a 22-year-old son. And for a kid to be 14-years-old-he’s just barely beginning to live his life,” nearby resident Marilyn Jones said. “It’s hard. It’s heartbreaking. You know, it’s it is heartbreaking. And then to hear so many good things about him.”
The Midwest Hawks Youth Football program posted a tribute to the former player, reading in part, “Though his life was taken far too soon, his memory will forever remain a part of the Midwest Hawks family. His smile, his presence, and the impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten.”
The Midwest Hawks Youth Football program says it will host a vigil for the 14-year-old in the next few days.
“We need to keep hope going. We need to keep hope moving. And when it comes to our children, we need to keep hope growing,” Price said.
Chicago police said Area Two detectives are investigating and no arrests have been made.
Authorities have not provided further information about the shooting.
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