Heartache echoed through the community of Little Village as friends, teammates, and family came together at Benito Juarez Community Academy to honor the untimely passing of Juan Sebastian Salgado, a 17-year-old high school soccer star. Salgado was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting just a week before what should have been a milestone first day of his senior year, according to reports from The Chicago Sun-Times.
Mourning the loss of a young life cut short, attendees gathered near the soccer field where Salgado had spent considerable time mastering his sport. He was shot on Aug. 19, while driving a friend home from soccer practice in the 3800 block of West 26th Street. The pain was visible among those present, particularly as his father, Angel Salgado, while fighting back tears, spoke to the assemblage, "All of you here know my son was a good boy who was kind, who was loving, who was disciplined," he conveyed in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Gathered on the field, Salgado's former achievements resonated with a poignant silence, as he was recognized not just for his athletic prowess, but for his dreams and aspirations that now lay unfulfilled. He had once played for the Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club, dreaming of collegiate soccer, as per ABC7 Chicago, he had earned about 40 sports medals throughout his young life.
While the investigation into Salgado's murder continues, his passing leaves a palpable void. The Chicago Sun-Times notes that a GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family with funeral expenses, indicating the community's support in these trying times. Nevertheless, as of now, no one has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
