Loyola University Chicago Mourns Sheridan Gorman, 18, Slain in March 19 Shooting

An 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student was tragically shot and killed in the early morning hours of March 19, 2026 in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

“ROGERS PARK — A Loyola student was fatally shot early Thursday at a Far North Side beach, officials said”

Block Club Chicago

According to Chicago Police, Sheridan Gorman was walking with a group of friends on Pratt Boulevard near the lakefront around 1:30 AM when a masked male suspect approached on foot, displayed his firearm, and opened fire in their direction.

Block Club Chicago

Gorman sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene, with no other injuries reported from the incident.

The shooting occurred at a pier at Tobey Prinz Beach along the 1000 block of West Pratt Boulevard, just north of Loyola's Lake Shore Campus, and investigators have indicated that it appears to have been a random shooting with Gorman not being the intended target.

The victim has been identified as Sheridan Gorman, a first-year business major from Yorktown Heights, New York, who had recently returned to campus following spring break.

Gorman was described by her family as 'wonderful' and 'the kindest soul that ever was,' noting she was 'so so loved and cherished.'

CBS News

Friends confirmed her involvement with Cru, a Christian student organization with chapters across the country.

University officials confirmed her identity through an email from the Office of the President signed by President Mark Reed, who identified her as a student at the school.

Students reported that she had been taking a walk on the pier with three other friends when she was killed, highlighting the sudden and tragic nature of her death.

In response to the tragic shooting, Loyola University Chicago has mobilized support resources for the campus community while working closely with law enforcement.

“Before the vigil at Madonna della Strada Chapel on the campus of Loyola University Chicago on Thursday evening, a choir of students rehearsed”

Chicago Tribune

University President Mark C. Reed issued a statement expressing profound sadness and offering condolences to Gorman's family and the broader community, noting 'This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan's family, loved ones, and all who knew her.'

The university has arranged counseling and support services for students in Mertz Hall and additional support at the wellness center and campus ministry.

Alderman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward, which includes much of Loyola's campus, has been coordinating with Loyola administration, Chicago Police, and the Mayor's Office to address the tragedy and find answers for the community.

The investigation into the fatal shooting remains ongoing, with Area Three detectives actively working to identify and apprehend the suspect.

According to police reports, the male offender was last seen wearing a face covering during the incident, but no detailed description has been released to the public.

Fox News

The motive for the shooting has not been immediately determined, though authorities have indicated it appears to have been a random attack.

As of the latest reports, no arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting.

Loyola officials have stated there is no information to suggest an ongoing threat to the campus community, though the incident has raised concerns about safety in the area surrounding the university's Lake Shore Campus.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Loyola community has come together to remember and honor Sheridan Gorman's life.

“CHICAGO - A Loyola student was shot and killed near Tobey Prinz Beach early Thursday morning in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood”

FOX 32 Chicago

A community reflection and prayer vigil was held on March 19 at 7 PM at Madonna della Strada Chapel, where mourners gathered to pay their respects.

NewsNation

Family members expressed their heartbreak at the loss, with Gorman's father, Thomas, urging others to 'hug their kids tighter' in response to hearing about his daughter's death.

The university has continued to offer support services as students and staff process the shock and grief of losing a young member of their community so suddenly.

The incident has sparked conversations about campus safety and the broader issue of gun violence in urban areas, particularly affecting college communities.