Loyola University Chicago student, 18, fatally shot

Before the vigil at Madonna della Strada Chapel on the campus of Loyola University Chicago on Thursday evening, a choir of students rehearsed. “Amazing Grace” filled the church’s white walls and arches lined with gold and stained glass windows.

A few students kneeled in rows of seats, reciting the rosary. Others brought in flowers and helped pass out candles and pamphlets notating lyrics and melodies to hymns.

They were there to honor the life of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Loyola student who was shot and killed in the predawn hours Thursday, less than a mile away from campus, according to Chicago police.

Family members said they are “heartbroken” at the loss. In a brief interview, Gorman’s father, Thomas, said those hearing about his daughter’s death should “hug their kids tighter.”

Gorman was a freshman from Yorktown Heights, New York, who came to Loyola to study business. She was involved with Cru, a Christian student group with chapters at colleges across the country, according to a friend who declined an interview.

“This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her,” Loyola University Chicago President Mark Reed said in the statement that identified Gorman as a student Thursday morning.

Shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a call of a person shot in the 1000 block of West Pratt Boulevard near Tobey Prinz Beach Park. Gorman was walking with a group of friends when a gunman approached on foot, pulled out a weapon and opened fire in the group’s direction, police said.

Gorman suffered a gunshot wound to the upper left of her back and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a police report obtained by the Tribune. No one was in custody, and detectives are investigating, according to police. Loyola said it is cooperating with law enforcement.

In a written statement issued through their attorney Thursday night, Gorman’s family said, “Our beloved daughter … was taken from us.”

“We trusted that she would be safe,” the statement read. “That trust was broken.” Gorman’s family remembered her as the “light of our lives.”

“She made people feel seen, safe, and loved simply by being who she was,” they said. Her family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received, saying it has carried them through “moments we could not endure alone.”

Before the vigil was due to start Thursday night, a bell tolled, the sound ringing out across the campus as attendees filed into the chapel. Inside, people filled every seat and corner, their eyes cast toward the altar as they waited for the service to begin. The crowd was told they’d be starting the vigil a few minutes late, as Gorman’s family was arriving soon from the airport.

A door at the back of the church remained open, where people overflowed into the courtyard outside.

Kina Ford, an 18-year-old Loyola freshman who came to sing at the vigil, said she knew of Gorman through mutual friends. Ford recalled how she’d see Gorman skipping through the halls. Everyone spoke highly of Gorman, she said.

“She was always cheerful, always smiling,” Ford said.

At around 4:45 a.m., Loyola students received an email saying that a person had been shot on the beach, Ford said. The next announcement — which said the victim was a student — didn’t come until after 9 a.m.

“Once that got out, everyone was very, very upset,” Ford said.

Ford added that it’s been hard for the campus to go through such a tragedy. She said she thinks campus security could do more to ensure safety since the campus is open to the public, and the shooting made her a bit nervous about safety.

Gorman’s family, in their statement, said they’ve taken comfort in their faith but that “nothing can lessen the devastation of this loss.” They’re demanding answers, her family said, and “will not stop until the person responsible is identified and brought to justice.” They urged anyone with information to come forward and asked for privacy as they grieve.

“Sheridan was our light,” they said. “And she always will be.”

Through the vigil, clergy and those who knew Gorman spoke of her kindness, fierce compassion and commitment to her faith. Attendees listening bowed their heads and closed their eyes.

Again, “Amazing Grace” played over the piano as one by one, candles lit up around the room.

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When the vigil ended, loved ones joined clergy in their procession. For a few moments, they lingered in the open air, crying and holding each other close.

baiduhai’s Caroline Kubzansky contributed.