A Loyola University Chicago student was tragically shot and killed while walking with her friends near a beach close to the Lake Shore campus early on Thursday morning, March 19.
Shooting at Tobey Prinz Beach
According to a safety alert from Loyola University Chicago, the shooting took place around 1:15 a.m. at a pier at Tobey Prinz Beach, located near the campus. Sheridan Gorman, a student, was with a group of friends when a male suspect opened fire in their direction. The suspect was reportedly wearing a face mask at the time.
Gorman Shot in the Head and Pronounced Dead at the Scene
Sheridan Gorman was shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. Multiple outlets, including ABC 7, Fox 32, and NBC 5, reported the incident based on information from the Chicago Police Department.
Neighbor Describes the Incident
A neighbor who lived nearby described hearing a gunshot early in the morning. “So I was just starting to go to sleep and then we heard one pop, both my partner and I,” the neighbor told ABC 7. “I thought it was a firework, but then 20 minutes later there were a lot of blood-curdling screams.”
Police Say Gorman Was Not the Intended Target
Police have stated that Gorman, who was 18 years old, was not the intended target of the shooting. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
University President’s Statement on the Tragic Loss
Loyola University Chicago’s president, Mark C. Reed, issued a statement identifying Gorman as the victim and calling the incident a “tragic loss.” He reassured the university community, saying, “There is no ongoing threat to our campus community,” and emphasized that law enforcement is actively working to understand the full details of the tragedy.
Support Services and Vigil
In the wake of the shooting, Loyola University is offering counseling and support services to its students and staff. A vigil has been scheduled for Thursday evening to honor Gorman’s memory.
