Families Mark 23rd Anniversary of Deadly Chicago Nightclub Stampede

Victims' families honor loved ones and renew calls for a permanent memorial on Motor Row

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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On Tuesday, families affected by the 2003 E2 nightclub tragedy in Chicago honored their loved ones who never returned home that night. The somber anniversary marks 23 years since a deadly stampede killed 21 people at the club, which had building violations and should not have been open. Families are now renewing their calls for a permanent memorial to be erected on the site, which was demolished in 2024 after years of back-and-forth with the building's owner.

Why it matters

The E2 nightclub tragedy was a devastating event in Chicago's history that left deep scars on the affected families. As they continue to grieve their lost loved ones, the families' push for a permanent memorial reflects their desire for closure and a way to honor the victims' memories. The lack of a memorial also highlights ongoing challenges around public safety, building code enforcement, and development in the city.

The details

The deadly stampede unfolded on February 17, 2003, when a security guard used pepper spray to break up a fight at the E2 nightclub near 24th Street and Michigan Avenue. This sparked panic, with patrons fearing a gas attack, and hundreds of people rushed toward the exit, falling down the steep, narrow staircase and becoming trapped. The club, which had building violations, should not have been open in the first place. The tragedy claimed the lives of 21 people, including Demetricta Carwell, whose mother Mary and daughter Laneisha now carry the heartache of that devastating night.

  • The E2 nightclub tragedy occurred on February 17, 2003.
  • The building that housed the E2 nightclub was demolished in December 2024.
  • Families marked the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Mary Carwell

The mother of Demetricta Carwell, one of the victims of the E2 nightclub tragedy.

Laneisha Crawford

The daughter of Demetricta Carwell, who was just 4 years old at the time of the incident.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who supported Mary Carwell and helped her search for her daughter on the morning of the tragedy.

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward)

A Chicago alderman who remains committed to supporting plans for a permanent memorial to the E2 nightclub victims.

The E2 Nightclub

The nightclub where the deadly stampede occurred, which had building violations and should not have been open.

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What they’re saying

“Any time there's tragedy or death in your life, it is hard to just let go. In reality, you're going to think about them as the years go along and I always do.”

— Mary Carwell, Mother of Demetricta Carwell (fox32chicago.com)

“I still get sad a lot. There's a lot of questions I'd like to ask her and get to know, but I have aunties and uncles and everybody, and a big family, so I get a lot of my answers from bonding and sharing moments with them.”

— Laneisha Crawford, Daughter of Demetricta Carwell (fox32chicago.com)

“Oh my God, I was so thankful, because he stood by my side and stayed there with me until we found her, and that was a blessing. He didn't have to do that.”

— Mary Carwell, Mother of Demetricta Carwell (fox32chicago.com)

“To the families, stay strong, stay positive. If anything is going on in your life, make sure you put God first.”

— Laneisha Crawford, Daughter of Demetricta Carwell (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

A spokesperson for Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) told FOX Chicago that she remains committed to supporting plans for a permanent memorial to the E2 nightclub victims. The property owner previously talked about including one as part of a future development, but plans for the site have yet to be announced.

The takeaway

The E2 nightclub tragedy remains a painful chapter in Chicago's history, with the families of the victims still seeking closure and a way to honor their loved ones' memories. The lack of a permanent memorial on the site highlights the ongoing challenges around public safety, building code enforcement, and development in the city, as well as the need for communities to come together and support those affected by such devastating events.