CHICAGO — Friends and family came together on Saturday to honor the memory of a high school basketball player who tragically lost his life while riding in an Uber on Chicago’s West Side.
Eighteen-year-old Damarion Johnson and his 38-year-old Uber driver were both fatally shot on Thursday night in the Garfield Park neighborhood.
Johnson had been an active participant in Project sWISH Chicago, a basketball initiative aimed at supporting urban youth. Sadly, he has become the second member of the program to fall victim to gun violence since November.
In a heartfelt tribute, members of Project sWISH gathered at Homan Square Park on Saturday to hold a vigil and release balloons in memory of their friend and teammate.
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The heartbreaking incident occurred just days before Johnson was set to announce his commitment to a college on a full basketball scholarship. His final moments were spent doing what he loved most—playing basketball.
Exclusive footage obtained by ABC7 captured the tragic drive-by shooting as Johnson was en route home from a basketball gym via Uber.
Police said the shooting happened in the 200-block of North Homan Avenue just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
The victims were traveling southbound in a white sedan when a grey SUV pulled up alongside them, police said. A male suspect inside the SUV took out a gun and fired shots.
The 38-year-old, shot in the arm, was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, CPD said. The 18-year-old, shot in the body, was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Johnson’s dreams and aspirations were fueled by basketball, until gunfire tore them away.
“He just kept saying he wanted to make it out,” Project sWISH Chicago founder McKinley Nelson said. “He was just robbed of so many things. And I feel like he was on his way to making it out… He got an opportunity to go to college for free, right, from multiple places. So he was just weighing his options on what decision was best fit for him, and before he could announce that decision, his life was cut short.”
Johnson was in the backseat of an Uber ride when exclusive video obtained by ABC7 showed a gray SUV driving beside it at Homan and Lake in Garfield Park. Someone then leaned out the back window.
ABC7 reached to Uber for comment about one of their rideshare drivers being killed in the shooting, and an Uber spokesperson provided the foillowing statement:
“There are no words to describe this tragic loss of life, and our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones during this difficult time. We’re doing everything we can to support police during their investigation, and we hope those responsible are brought to swift justice.”
The 38-year-old victim has not yet been officially identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
As for Johnson, he spent years playing basketball with Project sWISH Chicago, a basketball program for inner city youth.
“He wasn’t just one of many kids that we’ve seen come in and out of the program,” Nelson said. “He was a real little brother to me, and I really had true love for him.”
The senior student was also a recent transfer at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep in the Austin neighborhood.
“Earlier today we were made aware of the tragic death of one of our students. Our entire Christ the King school family is grieving this senseless loss,” the school said in a statement. “During this incredibly difficult time, our priority is supporting our students and staff as we process this tragedy. Dealing with death is never easy, and it is especially challenging when it involves a young person with a promising future. Our counseling team is available for any student or staff member who needs a safe space to talk. Please keep this student, his family, and our entire school community in your thoughts and prayers.”
Police did not immediately provide further information about the shooting. Area Four detectives are investigating.
While police have made no arrests, Uber says it is working closely with law enforcement. Grief counselors are available at Johnson’s high school.
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