Chicago shooting: 16-year-old Meeyah Smith killed in Avalon Park worked with 'Englewood First Responders,' friends say; man hurt
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 16-year-old girl who was killed in shooting Friday night on the city’s South Side is being remembered by her community.

Meeyah Smith was part of an organization called “Englewood First Responders.”

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The organization helps better the community by cleaning neighborhoods, spending time with seniors and supporting families experiencing hardship.

Smith’s co-workers who became her close friends told ABC7 they are shocked after the sudden loss.

The shooting happened in the Avalon Park neighborhood’s 1200-block of East 83rd Street around 11 p.m. Friday.

Police said a suspect walked up and shot Smith and a 35-year-old man. The man survived.

RELATED | Chicago shootings: At least 50 people shot, 6 fatally, in 4th of July weekend gun violence, CPD says

James Riley, a local resident, expressed his disbelief about the current events in the area. “I’m consistently surprised by what’s happening around here,” he admitted. “While I’m starting to accept it, it’s still heartbreaking.”

Street pastor and anti-violence activist Donovan Price said he’s concerned about what feels like an uptick in gun violence.

Price remarked, “Sometimes it boils down to pure malice. As long as firearms are accessible, people will resort to them in moments of anger.” He described it as a “convenient outlet for rage.”

No one is in custody for the shooting as Chicago police continue to investigate.

Shana Riley, from Avalon Park, shared her concerns, stating, “I have two sons and their safety is a huge worry for me.” She added, “I’ve lost a brother to murder and another has been shot, so it personally affects me deeply.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Safety tips for setting up your Christmas tree at home

Ultimate Guide to Safely Setting Up Your Christmas Tree: Top Tips for a Secure and Festive Home

With the festive season approaching, fire officials are advising people to exercise…
St. John’s survives Ole Miss’ late comeback bid in defensive struggle

St. John’s Holds Off Ole Miss in Thrilling Defensive Battle

Saturday night’s showdown at Madison Square Garden may not have been a…
Charlotte hit with another light rail stabbing, suspect identified as previously deported illegal immigrant

Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing Sparks Outrage: Suspect Linked to Previous Deportation

In a shocking incident on a Charlotte, North Carolina light rail, a…
Coast Guard is searching for a person, possibly in the water, after finding unmanned raft in Mayport

Coast Guard Launches Search for Missing Individual Following Discovery of Unmanned Raft in Mayport Waters

The Coast Guard and local agencies are calling on the public for…
Man pleads guilty to 2020 Atlantic Beach murder

Justice Served: Man Admits Guilt in Chilling 2020 Atlantic Beach Murder Case

Hudson Rady, a 25-year-old man, will face sentencing on February 2, 2026,…
Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs' daughter-in-law expected to testify Friday in NASCAR antitrust case

Michael Jordan and NASCAR Royalty to Take the Stand in High-Stakes Antitrust Trial Friday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan, the legendary former NBA player, stepped into…
Mass killings fall to lowest level in nearly two decades, national database shows

Mass Killings in the U.S. Drop to 20-Year Low, Reveals National Database

The United States has reported 17 mass killings so far in 2025,…
'God took his angel back': Family and friends honor the life of Matthew Jackson

Heartfelt Tributes Pour In: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Matthew Jackson

The Riverside High School community is mourning the tragic loss of one…
NYC man in cop costume arrested for pulling knife at NJ Halloween party

Two Individuals Charged Following Discovery of Infant’s Remains Buried in Illinois

Authorities have charged a man and a woman after discovering an infant…
Wounded National Guardsman beginning to 'look more like himself,' remains in acute care: West Virginia gov

West Virginia Governor Offers Hopeful Update on Injured National Guardsman’s Recovery in Acute Care

A National Guardsman injured in a shooting last week in Washington, D.C.,…
Fix Council bill on nonprofit housing

Revamp Proposed for Nonprofit Housing Legislation: What’s at Stake?

The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), currently being reviewed by the…
FIFA unveils 2026 World Cup schedule

FIFA Announces Official Schedule for 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be an unprecedented event,…