Family mourns death of 18-year-old from Elgin killed in shooting before Lil Durk concert

Family members are mourning the death of an 18-year-old from Elgin who was shot Sunday night near the United Center before a Lil Durk concert at the venue, according to police and a GoFundMe fundraiser.

The teen was identified as Jess Kendall, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Authorities said Kendall was pronounced dead about 2:50 a.m. Monday after being taken to Stroger Hospital in Chicago. Two other teenagers, 15 and 19, also were wounded in the shooting and taken to the same hospital.

Kendall’s father, Gary, posted a Facebook message about his son Monday.

“Words can’t describe anything right now, I lost a piece of my self last night rest in peace and sleep well Jesse,” the post said.

The online fundraising effort described Jess Kendall as a son and a brother.

“Nothing can prepare a family for a loss like this and it is our hope to at least alleviate any financial pressure they may experience at this time,” the fundraiser said in his post. When contacted, he declined to comment more on Jess’ death.

According to Chicago police, the shooting occurred in the 100 block of North Wolcott Avenue minutes before the 7 p.m. concert. The 19-year-old was in critical condition and the 15-year-old was in good condition.

No one was in custody as of Tuesday morning. The investigation is ongoing.

School District U-46 identified Kendall as a senior at Elgin High School.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of our Elgin High School students following a tragic incident over the weekend,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and all those affected by this loss.”

District U-46 was providing counseling and support services to help students and staff deal with what happened, officials said.

Iliana Rodriguez’s family moved next door to the Kendall family eight years ago. She remembers Jess hauling landscape equipment in a trailer and mowing all the neighbors’ yards, she said.

“He was the hardest-working kid we knew,” she said.

News of his death hit hard, said Rodriguez, the mother of three boys. Jess’ dad would often comment to her that seeing her three boys playing in the yard brought back memories of his own three sons when they were young, she said.

“I think I’m still in shock,” she said of Jess’ death. “He was just out trying to have a good time with his girlfriend.”

Chicago Tribune’s Peter Breen and Sam Charles contributed.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The (Elgin) Courier-News.