Barrington High Grad Killed at 25 in Chicago Attack

Family and friends mourn the loss of a young entrepreneur and father with a giving spirit.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:36pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered glass surface reflecting a faint red light, conveying the stark, gritty aftermath of a tragic assault.The shattered remnants of a violent attack expose the fragility of life and the lasting impact on a community.Barrington Today

Xander Kazanowski, a 25-year-old Barrington High School graduate who founded his own company at 19, died from injuries sustained in an assault outside a Chicago bar late last month. Police are still investigating the incident, which has left his family and community in mourning over the loss of a young man remembered for his entrepreneurial drive, charitable nature, and loving family.

Why it matters

Kazanowski's tragic death at a young age has deeply impacted his hometown of Barrington and the broader Chicago community, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence in urban areas and the devastating toll it can take on promising young lives and their loved ones left behind.

The details

Chicago police found Kazanowski unresponsive with head injuries on the 3900 block of West Belmont Avenue around 3:19 a.m. on March 24. He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition and died on March 28, with his last act being the donation of his organs. The Cook County medical examiner ruled his death a homicide due to blunt head trauma from an assault.

  • Kazanowski was found injured around 3:19 a.m. on March 24, 2026.
  • He died on March 28, 2026, surrounded by family.

The players

Xander Kazanowski

A 25-year-old Barrington High School graduate who founded his own company, Wurk Services, at age 19 to provide gig-economy services in the Chicago area.

Christian Kazanowski

Xander's brother, who recalled Xander's charitable nature and principled character from a young age.

Tori Zanoni

Xander's partner, with whom he was expecting a son.

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What they’re saying

“He was always posting and offering his services to help people, and he was very religious. He touched my heart that he was such a nice young man, and that he was trying to do all these things to better himself.”

— Rhonda Faklaris, Palatine resident and Xander's social media friend

What’s next

Detectives are still investigating the incident, and a memorial service for Xander Kazanowski will be held on Saturday at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington.

The takeaway

Xander Kazanowski's tragic death at just 25 years old has left his family, friends, and community devastated, highlighting the ongoing issue of violence in urban areas and the immense loss felt when a promising young life is cut short. His entrepreneurial spirit, charitable nature, and devotion to his family are being remembered as a testament to the kind of person he was.