CHICAGO (WABC) — An 18-year-old woman from Yorktown Heights was shot and killed while walking with friends near a beach near Loyola University on Thursday morning.
Loyola University said the woman is a student at the university and identified her as Sheridan Gorman.
Police said the victim was with a group of friends when a male suspect approached on foot, took out a gun and opened fire in the group’s direction around 1:30 a.m.
Gorman was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene, police said. No other injuries were reported.
Police said the young woman was not the intended target.
“It’s just so tragic to see a life, especially such a bright light of a life, cut short and so meaninglessly,” said Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman. “Such a waste, my heart goes out to the family.”
In a statement, the university’s president wrote, “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her. We are in close contact with law enforcement as they investigate and work to understand the full circumstances of this tragedy.”
Gorman graduated last year from Yorktown High School. Her mother is an active member of the Yorktown Athletic Club — a youth sports booster organization.
In a letter to parents, the district superintendent described the teen as someone who was loved by all who knew her.
“Her impact on students and staff alike was profound,” the letter said. “She was a shining light for so many people.”
“Yorktown is a very strong community, we stand with our residents and I know the Gormans will have that, when they open up and reach out for what their needs are, we will be there for them,” Lachterman said.
Loyola said there is no ongoing threat to the campus community and counseling services are available for students.
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