The city of Chicago was struck by tragedy earlier this week when a teen was shot and killed on the Southwest Side, just days before the start of the new school year. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Juan Salgado, was a promising young student-athlete with a bright future ahead of him. His untimely death has left his family, friends, and community in mourning.
Juan Salgado was on the cusp of starting his senior year at Juarez Community Academy and was set to become the captain of the school’s soccer team. His passion for soccer began at Orozco Community Academy, where he honed his skills from a young age. A video captured on Monday showed Juan on the field, practicing with his teammates at Harrison Park, just hours before the tragic incident occurred.
According to his family, Juan was driving back from soccer practice when he decided to help a sick friend and teammate by giving him a ride home. It was a selfless act that ultimately led to his demise. While driving in Little Village, a truck pulled up alongside Juan’s vehicle, and shots were fired. He was struck in the left shoulder and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Juan succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a devastated community.
Juan’s soccer coach, Julian Gomez, described him as a natural leader with exceptional character. He was set to lead the team as captain, a role he had earned through hard work and dedication. Gomez expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his star player, noting that Juan’s presence on the field would be sorely missed.
In addition to his school team, Juan also played for the Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club and had amassed around 40 sports medals in his short life. His family has set up a GoFundMe page to honor his memory and support them during this difficult time. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with many expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories of Juan.
As of now, no one has been taken into custody for Juan’s murder, leaving his family and friends seeking justice for his senseless death. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in Chicago and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together to mourn the loss of a promising young life and to support Juan’s family in their time of need. His memory will live on through the lives he touched and the legacy he leaves behind. Juan Salgado’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of coming together to combat senseless violence in our communities.