Family and friends gathered at a vigil Monday afternoon to remember Juan Sebastian Salgado, a 17-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a shooting last week in Little Village. The community came together outside Benito Juarez Community Academy, where Salgado should have been starting his senior year. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and disbelief as dozens of people gathered to honor his memory.
Salgado, known as the captain of the boys‘ soccer team, was driving a friend home from soccer practice on August 19 when the unthinkable happened. While driving in the 3800 block of West 26th Street, a truck pulled up alongside his vehicle, and someone inside opened fire, striking him in the shoulder. Despite being rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, Salgado succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The impact of Salgado’s untimely death was felt deeply by his classmates, teammates, and coaches. Students and teammates were seen near the soccer field where Salgado spent countless hours practicing and playing. They held flickering candles and released white angel wing-shaped balloons in his honor, creating a poignant tribute to their fallen friend.
During the vigil, Salgado’s father, Angel Salgado, spoke through tears about his son’s kind and loving nature. He expressed gratitude to everyone who knew and loved Juan, emphasizing the positive impact he had on those around him. Salgado’s teammates, dressed in black and white jerseys, presented the family with a yellow captain’s armband and his team jersey with the number 21 on the back, a touching gesture to honor their captain’s memory.
Grecia Salgado, Juan’s older sister, shared her gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. She reflected on her brother’s multifaceted personality, highlighting that he was more than just an athlete—he was a friend, a son, and her beloved brother. Emmanuel Guerrero, the former coach of Salgado’s volleyball team, expressed his devastation upon hearing the news of the shooting. He underscored the importance of keeping young people engaged and busy to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Juan Sebastian Salgado, a GoFundMe has been set up to assist with funeral expenses. The lack of an arrest in connection with the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence that plagues many neighborhoods. The vigil served as a moment of unity and remembrance, a chance for those who knew and loved Salgado to come together and honor his memory.
In the face of such senseless violence, the community’s response has been one of resilience and solidarity. Through their shared grief and support for the Salgado family, they are sending a powerful message that no family should have to endure such a tragic loss. Juan Sebastian Salgado’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, his spirit forever cherished by those who were touched by his kindness and warmth.