The wider picture
Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old first-year student at Loyola University Chicago, was shot and killed near Loyola Beach in Chicago early on March 19, 2026. The tragic incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when a shooter approached Gorman and her friends on foot and opened fire, striking her in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and friends devastated.
The shooting occurred just two blocks from the Loyola University Chicago campus, raising concerns about safety in the area. In the aftermath, Loyola Campus Safety confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the campus community, attempting to reassure students and faculty alike during this harrowing time.
In a statement, Gorman’s parents expressed their heartbreak, saying, “We want people to know that Sheridan was wonderful and the kindest soul that ever was. She was so so loved and cherished and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.” The loss of such a bright young life has sent shockwaves through the community.
Dr. Ron Hattar, a representative from Gorman’s high school, Yorktown High School in New York, also shared his grief, stating, “It is with an absolutely broken heart that I share the loss of beloved YHS graduate, Sheridan Gorman. We are so deeply shattered by this tragic and senseless loss.” The impact of Gorman’s death resonates beyond her immediate circle, affecting many who knew her.
A vigil in remembrance of Sheridan Gorman was held at Madonna della Strada Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on the same day as the shooting. The event drew numerous attendees, all united in their grief and remembrance of a young woman whose life was cut short too soon. Counselors from the Wellness Center and Campus Ministry were made available for support, recognizing the emotional toll this incident has taken on the community.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the Chicago Police Department is actively pursuing leads to identify the shooter. Community members are left grappling with the loss and seeking answers to the senseless violence that claimed Gorman’s life.
President Mark Reed of Loyola University Chicago urged the community to come together in prayer, saying, “Please join me in prayer to St. Joseph, whose feast we celebrate today, to intercede for our grieving community and for the family of our beloved student Sheridan—and may his example of faithful, protective love inspire us to care tenderly for one another.” This call for unity reflects the deep sense of loss felt across the campus.
As the investigation progresses, the community remains hopeful for justice while mourning the loss of a beloved student. Sheridan Gorman’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those she touched, as the community rallies together to support one another during this difficult time.
