17-year-old fatally shot driving sick teammate home from soccer practice
CHICAGO (WLS) - A 17-year-old high school soccer player who was about to become captain of his team died after he was shot in the shoulder while driving a teammate home from practice.
Juan Salgado, 17, was one week away from starting his senior year at Chicago’s Juarez Community Academy and becoming the captain of the school’s soccer team before he was shot and killed, his family says.
Juan Salgado’s loved ones gathered Friday outside Orozco Community Academy, where the 17-year-old’s love for soccer began in elementary school.
The teenager went to soccer practice Monday at Harrison Park, but his family says he left to take a friend and teammate, who showed up to practice sick, home to the Little Village neighborhood.
“He knew the friend was not feeling well to go back home, and even though he knew he shouldn’t go there, he did because he felt it was the right way to do it for his friend,” said the teen’s uncle, Sabastian Salgado.
Police say Juan Salgado was driving in the neighborhood around 5 p.m. when a truck pulled up and someone inside started shooting. The 17-year-old was shot in his left shoulder and was initially taken to the hospital in good condition. But things later took a turn for the worse.
The teen died exactly one week from starting his senior year in high school and before becoming the captain of the soccer team, a team he played on since sophomore year.
His coach, Julian Gomez, is now left to start school Monday without his star player.
“He showed that leadership. He showed that character that we needed as a captain, and it’s very unfortunate that we can no longer see him on the field as the team captain,” Gomez said.
Juan Salgado’s family says he used to play for the Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club, and in his short life, he earned about 40 sports medals. A GoFundMe set up to help pay for the teen’s funeral has raised nearly $20,000.
The 17-year-old is being remembered on GoFundMe as “the best son, brother and friend anyone could ask for.”
“He was deeply family-oriented, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones,” the fundraising site reads. “His caring and compassionate nature was evident to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His presence brought warmth and joy to all who crossed his path.”
Police say no one is in custody for the teen’s murder.
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