1 Dead, Another Wounded in Calumet Park Beach Shooting
CHICAGO, IL — A tragic scene unfolded on the south side of Chicago on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, when gunfire erupted at Calumet Park Beach, leaving one man dead and another injured. The shooting occurred in the early evening hours as families, children, and beachgoers were gathered to enjoy a warm spring day along the lakefront.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired around 6:30 p.m. in the 9800 block of South Avenue G, near the park’s lakefront area. When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the men, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was believed to be in his late 20s. The second victim, a 30-year-old man, was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. Officials say he was shot in the abdomen and remains hospitalized as of Thursday morning.
Witnesses described a chaotic and frightening scene as gunfire rang out near the shoreline. Children screamed and families rushed to find shelter behind lifeguard stations, picnic tables, and nearby concession stands. Some people abandoned their beach gear in a frantic attempt to escape the area.
“It was like a nightmare. One second everything was fine, people were laughing, kids were playing in the water — and the next second, it was like a war zone,” said Maria Alvarez, a mother who was visiting the park with her two children. “We just grabbed our stuff and ran.”
Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting, and no arrests have been made. Detectives are currently investigating whether the shooting was targeted or a random act of violence. Surveillance footage from park cameras and nearby businesses is being reviewed, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The incident has prompted increased police presence in the area and reignited concerns over public safety at city parks, particularly as summer approaches and more residents flock to beaches and outdoor spaces. Calumet Park, a popular spot for families on the Southeast Side of the city, has historically been considered one of the safer lakefront destinations, making the violence especially shocking to locals.
City officials expressed condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized the need for community cooperation in stemming the tide of gun violence in Chicago. “This senseless violence shatters lives and undermines the safety we work so hard to build in our communities,” said 10th Ward Alderman Susan Sadlowski Garza in a statement. “We will not let violence take away our parks and our peace.”
The Chicago Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has relevant video footage to contact Area Two detectives or submit anonymous tips to CPD’s tip line at 833-408-0069 or via the CPD website.
As the investigation continues, community members are mourning the loss of life and grappling with the trauma of what was supposed to be a peaceful day at the lake. A makeshift memorial with flowers and candles has begun to take shape near the beachside pavilion, as friends, family, and residents gather to pay their respects.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.