One Dead, One Injured in Tragic Calumet Park Beach Shooting on Chicago’s South Side Amid Evening Crowds of Families and Children
CHICAGO, IL — A peaceful spring day turned into a horrifying tragedy on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, as gunfire erupted on the south side of Chicago at the popular Calumet Park Beach, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to another. Authorities responded to the scene around 6:20 p.m. after multiple emergency calls reported shots fired near the lakefront, prompting a swift police and emergency response. The names of the victims have not yet been released by officials as of press time.
The incident occurred just as families, children, and beachgoers were enjoying the early evening warmth, marking one of the city’s first truly warm days of the spring season. Calumet Park Beach, located at 9801 S. Avenue G along the shores of Lake Michigan, is a well-known gathering place for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods of South Deering and East Side. Many who were there described the scene as festive and calm until chaos suddenly erupted.
A Day of Leisure Shattered by Violence
Witnesses recounted the moments leading up to the shooting as a typical serene evening at the park. Groups of children played in the sand, teenagers gathered near the boardwalk with speakers playing music, and families set up picnic blankets under the late-day sun. All of this changed in an instant when a volley of gunfire rang out, sending crowds scrambling for cover.
“I was setting up some food for my family and heard at least five or six shots. Everyone just dropped or ran. Kids were crying, people were yelling, it was chaos,” said Tanya Ramirez, a mother of three who lives nearby and was at the beach with her family. “I grabbed my children and just ran behind the concession stand. I thought we were going to get caught in the crossfire.”
Initial reports suggest that the shooting was targeted, though police have yet to confirm a motive. Chicago Police Department (CPD) spokesperson Officer Alberto Gomez stated at a press briefing late Wednesday night that detectives are working to determine whether the victims knew each other or their assailant.
“We can confirm that two adult male victims were shot. One was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the other was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in stable condition,” Gomez said. “At this time, we are interviewing multiple witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from park security cameras and nearby businesses.”
Victim Information and Medical Response
Although the names of the victims have not been released, law enforcement sources indicated that both men appeared to be in their early to mid-20s. The deceased victim was found unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. First responders attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful.
Paramedics with the Chicago Fire Department transported the second victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, under emergency conditions. Hospital officials later confirmed his condition as stable, and he is expected to survive. Authorities hope to speak with him further as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on the deceased and is working to notify next of kin.
Community Shock and Fear
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the surrounding community, where Calumet Park has traditionally been seen as a relatively safe and family-friendly location compared to other areas plagued by gun violence. Several community leaders have voiced concern over the brazenness of the incident and are calling for increased police presence during warmer months when the beach sees more foot traffic.
Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza, whose 10th Ward includes the park, issued a statement on social media Wednesday evening:
“What happened at Calumet Park Beach tonight is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We will be working closely with CPD to ensure increased patrols and security as we approach the summer season. We must not allow violence to take hold of spaces meant for joy, family, and community.”
Many parents expressed concern about returning to the park, especially as summer break nears and more children will be using the public space.
“I don’t know how I can feel safe bringing my kids back here now,” said Marco Alvarez, a local resident. “If this can happen at 6:30 p.m. on a weekday with families all around, when is it ever safe?”
Police Investigation and Surveillance Review
As of Thursday morning, CPD confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Officers remained on scene for several hours after the shooting, cordoning off the area with crime scene tape and collecting evidence, including shell casings.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the park’s own camera system as well as cameras mounted on nearby buildings and businesses. Police are also urging anyone who was present at the beach and may have witnessed the incident or captured footage on their cell phones to come forward.
“We need the public’s help. Someone out there knows something or saw something that could help us identify the shooter or shooters,” said Officer Gomez.
The motive behind the shooting is not yet clear. Investigators are exploring whether gang affiliations, a personal dispute, or other circumstances led to the deadly incident.
Historical Context and Recent Trends
Chicago has long grappled with gun violence, particularly in neighborhoods on the city’s south and west sides. While some progress has been made in reducing overall crime statistics in certain districts, shootings continue to claim lives at an alarming rate.
The timing of this incident is particularly concerning to authorities and violence prevention organizations. May typically marks the beginning of a seasonal spike in violent crime as warmer weather leads to more outdoor gatherings. In previous years, Memorial Day weekend has seen some of the highest levels of gun-related incidents in the city.
According to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, more than 2,300 people were shot in Chicago in 2024, with over 500 of those resulting in fatalities. Calumet Park, while not historically a hot spot for violence, has seen an uptick in criminal activity in the last year, including several assaults and car break-ins.
Community Response and Vigil Plans
By Thursday afternoon, local churches and community organizations had begun organizing a candlelight vigil for the victims. Set to be held at the park entrance on Friday evening, the vigil will serve as a memorial for the deceased and a call to action for increased safety and investment in youth programming and neighborhood support.
“We need healing, and we need hope,” said Reverend Angela Morris of the South Shore Unity Chapel. “This violence is senseless, and our children are the ones paying the price. We will come together not just to mourn, but to demand change.”
The local YMCA and several youth centers have also pledged to offer more after-school and weekend programming as a preventative measure against further violence.
Mayor Johnson’s Statement and City Hall Response
Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the incident during a Thursday press conference, calling the shooting “a painful reminder of the work we still have to do” to make Chicago safe for all its residents.
“I am heartbroken for the families affected by this tragedy. Our parks and public spaces should never be places where people fear for their lives,” Johnson said. “My administration is fully committed to addressing the root causes of violence and will support CPD and local communities in their efforts to prevent further bloodshed.”
The mayor also reiterated the city’s investment in violence interruption programs and community-based outreach, emphasizing a collaborative approach that balances law enforcement with mental health services, education, and job opportunities.
Call for Public Assistance
Police continue to urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact Area Two detectives or leave an anonymous tip via the CPD tip line or through Crime Stoppers.
“This is a community effort,” Officer Gomez reiterated. “We need witnesses, neighbors, friends—anyone who saw anything—to come forward. Silence only helps the person who pulled the trigger.”
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns yet another tragic instance of violence—this time in a place meant for relaxation and recreation. The hope is that through vigilance, cooperation, and support, Calumet Park Beach can return to being a symbol of peace, not pain.
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