Sheridan Gorman was a first-year student at Loyola University Chicago, having graduated from Yorktown High School in 2025. Her life was tragically cut short when she was shot and killed near Loyola Beach in Chicago on March 19, 2026. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m., just two blocks from the university campus, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
According to reports, Gorman was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the shooter approached Gorman and her friends on foot and opened fire. The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating the shooting, seeking to uncover the circumstances surrounding this senseless act of violence.
In the wake of this tragedy, Loyola Campus Safety confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the campus community, providing some reassurance to students and staff. However, the emotional impact of Gorman’s death is profound, as her parents shared their heartbreak, stating, “We want people to know that Sheridan was wonderful and the kindest soul that ever was. She was so so loved and cherished and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.” Their words resonate deeply within the community, highlighting the loss of a vibrant young life.
Dr. Ron Hattar, a member of the Yorktown High School community, expressed his sorrow, saying, “It is with an absolutely broken heart that I share the loss of beloved YHS graduate, Sheridan Gorman. We are so deeply shattered by this tragic and senseless loss.” Gorman’s impact was felt not only by her family but also by friends and faculty who recognized her as a shining light in their lives.
A vigil in remembrance of Sheridan Gorman was held at Madonna della Strada Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on the same day as the shooting. Community members gathered to honor her memory, sharing stories and offering support to one another during this difficult time. President Mark Reed of Loyola University Chicago encouraged attendees to join in prayer, stating, “Please join me in prayer to St. Joseph, whose feast we celebrate today, to intercede for our grieving community and for the family of our beloved student Sheridan—and may his example of faithful, protective love inspire us to care tenderly for one another.”
As the investigation continues, counselors from the Wellness Center and Campus Ministry have been made available for support, recognizing the need for mental health resources in the aftermath of such a traumatic event. The community is coming together to support one another, reflecting on the life of a young woman who touched so many hearts.
In the days to come, the Chicago Police Department is expected to provide updates on the investigation, while the Loyola University community continues to grapple with the loss of one of their own. Sheridan Gorman’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who knew her, as they strive to honor her kindness and spirit in the face of this tragedy.
