Tragic Shooting of Loyola University Student Raises Questions
The family of an 18-year-old student from Loyola University Chicago is seeking answers following her tragic death by a masked gunman near the campus. They believe it was a random act of violence as police actively search for the suspect.
Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot in the head around 1 a.m. Thursday while walking with a friend at Tobey Prinz Beach, located less than a mile from the university. Reports indicate that she was not the intended target in this shooting.
“Our beloved daughter Sheridan was taken away this morning in Chicago. There’s no way to downplay this; it’s murder,” her family expressed in a statement. “She was the light of our lives, always making people feel seen, safe, and loved.” They further described her as someone who lived with kindness, compassion, and joy, deeply cherishing her relationships.
According to witnesses, a male suspect approached them and opened fire, hitting Gorman. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A safety alert issued by the university alerted students that the shooting occurred near the beach pier and noted that the gunman was wearing a face covering. Authorities are investigating any possible links to other violent incidents in the area.
Mark C. Reed, the president of Loyola University Chicago, informed the campus community in a letter, saying, “It is with deep sadness that I share that one of our students, Sheridan Gorman, was murdered earlier today. This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to her family and friends.” He emphasized the importance of support during this painful time.
Although details regarding the suspect remain unclear and no arrests have been made, the university reassured students that there is currently no ongoing threat to the campus.
The Yorktown Heights, New York, native was just months away from completing her freshman year, and the community is left in shock. No immediate response was available from the Chicago Police Department regarding the situation.
