Loyola Chicago Student Fatally Shot Near Campus

Police say 18-year-old woman was shot by stranger while walking with friends

Mar. 20, 2026 at 1:02am

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An 18-year-old Loyola University Chicago student named Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot by an unknown assailant while walking with friends on a pier near the school's lakeside campus early Thursday morning. The shooter, described as wearing a face covering, fled the scene and has not been apprehended. Loyola's president called Gorman's death a "tragic loss" as the school works with police to investigate the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Loyola University Chicago community and raised concerns about safety in the surrounding Rogers Park neighborhood, which has seen other recent violent crimes. The university is providing counseling services and holding a vigil to mourn the loss of the first-year student, who was described as a "shining light" by her hometown school district.

The details

Around 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, Sheridan Gorman was walking with friends on the pier at Tobey Prinz Beach in Rogers Park when an unknown man approached the group and opened fire, striking Gorman in the head. She died at the scene, while no one else was injured. The shooter, described as wearing a face covering, fled the area and has not been identified or apprehended by police.

  • The incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old first-year student at Loyola University Chicago who was fatally shot by an unknown assailant while walking with friends near the school's lakeside campus.

Mark C. Reed

The president of Loyola University Chicago, who called Gorman's death a "tragic loss" and said the school is working with police to investigate the incident.

Thomas Gorman

The father of Sheridan Gorman, who said he wasn't ready to talk about the shooting but had a message to "go hug your kids."

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What they’re saying

“Sheridan was loved by all who knew her, and her impact on students and staff alike was profound. She was a shining light for so many people.”

— Yorktown School Community spokesperson

“Tell everyone to go hug their kids.”

— Thomas Gorman, Sheridan Gorman's father

What’s next

Loyola University Chicago is providing expanded counseling services for students and faculty, and a vigil is planned for Thursday evening at the Madonna della Strada Chapel to mourn Sheridan Gorman's death.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting has deeply impacted the Loyola University Chicago community and raised concerns about safety in the surrounding Rogers Park neighborhood. The university is working closely with police to investigate the incident and provide support for students and staff during this difficult time.