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
Explosion reported at nursing home in suburban Philadelphia; reports of people trapped

Explosion Strikes Nursing Home in Suburban Philadelphia, Reports Emerge of Individuals Trapped

A devastating gas explosion rocked a nursing home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,…
Brown University police chief placed on leave after deadly shooting as Trump admin opens investigation

Brown University Police Chief Suspended Amid Investigation into Fatal Shooting Linked to Trump Administration

Brown University has placed its police chief on administrative leave following a…
Cities across Europe revise Christmas traditions, triggering public backlash

European Cities Tweak Christmas Traditions: Public Outrage and Cultural Debate Ensue

‘Modern’ nativity sparks outrage in Belgium In a provocative twist to traditional…
Oklahoma teaching assistant fired after uproar over flunking Christian student who referenced Bible in essay

Oklahoma Educator Dismissed Amid Controversy Over Student’s Bible-Referenced Essay Grade

In the aftermath of a controversial incident where a University of Oklahoma…
FBI violent crime arrests double in Trump's first year compared to Biden record: 'Massive strides'

FBI Violent Crime Arrests Surge Under Trump, Outpacing Biden’s First Year

On Tuesday, the FBI disclosed a significant surge in violent crime arrests…
Mom arrested on murder charge after body of missing ‘at-risk’ girl Melodee Buzzard found

Mother Charged with Murder Following Discovery of Missing Girl Melodee Buzzard’s Body

The tragic case of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard has come to a…
Los Angeles, California crash: Woman rams SUV into would-be burglary crew's getaway car | Video

Heroic Act: Los Angeles Woman Stops Burglars by Crashing SUV into Their Getaway Car – Watch the Video

LOS ANGELES — A gripping surveillance video captures a dramatic scene as…
Repeat offender allegedly kills Ohio man just days after nonprofit pays his bail

Nonprofit Faces Scrutiny After Releasing Repeat Offender Accused in Fatal Attack Days Later

The Bail Project calls family of repeat offender The Bail Project, a…
3 Georgia jail escapees allegedly force Lyft driver to Florida before capture by authorities

Three Georgia Jailbreakers Allegedly Coerce Lyft Driver on Wild Ride to Florida Before Capture

In a swift turn of events, three inmates who had managed to…
Woman dies in NJ senior home fire that injures 8 police officers

Tragic NJ Senior Home Fire Claims Life, Injures 8 Brave Officers: A Community in Mourning

An early morning blaze erupted at a senior housing facility in New…
Colorado mom accused of killing 2 children and fleeing to UK returns stateside to face murder charges

Colorado Mother Extradited from UK to Face Dual Child Murder Charges in U.S.

A Colorado mother accused of the tragic killing of her two young…
Trump administration says federal student loan borrowers in default may see wages garnished in 2026

2026 Alert: Trump Administration’s Plan to Garnish Wages for Defaulted Student Loans

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced on Tuesday its plan to begin…