Obituary: Remembering Reanna Hammad — A Life of Compassion and Promise
The Orland Park community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Reanna Hammad, a 21-year-old woman whose life was cut short far too soon. Reanna’s body was discovered on May 18, 2025, on a walking trail in Spears Woods, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County in unincorporated Palos Township. She had been reported missing two days earlier, last seen by her mother at their home around 11 a.m. on May 16. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Reanna died by suicide.
A Life Rooted in Compassion
Reanna was the daughter of Dr. Ahmad, a respected physician in the area, and came from a family deeply committed to healthcare and compassionate patient care. Her siblings have pursued careers in medicine and pharmacy, reflecting the family’s dedication to serving others.
From an early age, Reanna expressed a desire to help people, often accompanying her father to work. She would sit at the nurses’ station and sweetly proclaim that she wanted to be a nurse when she grew up. Those who met her during those visits remember her fondly — her quiet kindness, gentle spirit, and the light she brought into every room. One colleague recalled, “She was a sweet person, and this is so unbelievably sad. I watched her grow up with a dream to help others.”
A Community in Mourning
Reanna’s passing has deeply affected the Orland Park community. Friends describe her as thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply caring — someone who would go out of her way to make others feel valued and seen. Her radiant smile and warmth touched everyone she met. She had a future full of promise, and while her time here was far too brief, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
The Prayer Center of Orland Park organized a group of 40 volunteers to search for Reanna on foot in the preserve near Willow Springs and Palos Township. In a statement, the Center expressed their grief and urged the community to avoid spreading false information, emphasizing the importance of caution and security measures.
Honoring Reanna’s Memory
Funeral services for Reanna were held on Tuesday, May 20, at the Mosque Foundation Community Center in Bridgeview, followed by burial at Muslim Ummah Cemetery. An Azza (condolence gathering) took place that evening at the Orland Park Prayer Center.
In the wake of this tragedy, many are seeking ways to commemorate Reanna’s life and continue her mission of spreading kindness and compassion. Plans are underway to establish initiatives in her name, aimed at supporting young individuals who embody Reanna’s spirit of community service and empathy.
A Call for Compassion and Support
Reanna’s passing is a solemn reminder of the importance of mental health and the often-hidden pain that individuals may carry. It is a tragedy that no family should endure, and it speaks to the need for compassion, open dialogue, and support in our communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Rest peacefully, Reanna. You were cherished, and you will be deeply missed.