An 18-year-old freshman from Loyola University Chicago, Sheridan Gorman, was tragically shot and killed in the early hours of March 19, 2026, near Tobey Prinz Beach in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Gorman, who was walking with friends, was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene.
Shooting Incident Details
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. when a masked man approached Gorman and her friends and opened fire. Authorities confirmed that Gorman was the only person injured in the incident.
Though detectives believe she may not have been the intended target, the exact circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation. The suspect, who wore dark clothing and a ski mask, fled the scene on foot after firing.
Friends of Gorman reportedly ran when the gunshots were heard and later returned to find her unresponsive on the ground. The sound of the single gunshot was followed by screams, which alerted residents nearby.
One student, who was awakened by the noise, described the scene as shocking and out of place in the usually peaceful community.
Investigation and Police Efforts
At the time of writing, no arrests have been made, and police continue to search for the masked shooter. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation unfolds. Despite the tragic incident, law enforcement has stated there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
Loyola University Reacts to the Loss
Sheridan Gorman, a first-year student from New York, was remembered as a kind and vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short just months into her college experience.
Loyola University Chicago has extended its condolences to Gorman’s family and friends, offering support to students affected by the incident. University officials have been working closely with law enforcement as the investigation progresses.
University President Mark C. Reed expressed deep sadness over the loss, stating, “It is with profound sadness that I write to share that one of our students, Sheridan Gorman, was killed earlier today in an incident north of the Lake Shore Campus.”
Community Impact
The killing has left the Loyola University Chicago community shaken, with students and residents struggling to come to terms with the unexpected violence.
Some residents in the area noted hearing the gunshot and screams, which highlighted the suddenness of the crime. For many, it was a disturbing and unexpected tragedy in an otherwise peaceful neighborhood.
