Chicago Teen Juan Salgado Mourned at Wake

CHICAGO (CBS) —THE The first day of classes was difficult at Juarez Community Academy in the southwest of the state as they dealt with the murder of one of their classmates, Juan Salgado, 17, who was shot dead after leaving soccer practice last week.

A vigil was held at the Juarez football field in Pilsen, where hundreds of people gathered.

From students to administrators to his coaches, many are still trying to make sense of the loss as they describe Juan Salgado, 17, as an exceptional person, not only on the field, but in the community.

With just a week left before he began his senior year at Juarez Community Academy, Salgado was set to make his debut as captain of the school’s soccer team. Today, his death is being mourned as the victim of a senseless shooting that has shocked the community.

Police said Monday that the teen was driving a teammate home from soccer practice in the 3800 block of West 26th Street in Little Village when a truck pulled up alongside him and fired several shots toward Salgado.

The teenager was shot in the shoulder and later died at a nearby hospital.

His family and those who knew him said he was not affiliated with any gang, nor were any of his friends, and they are now wondering why he was targeted.

His coach, Julian Gomez, described Salgado as a leader who was passionate about football and caring about doing good for his family.

A GoFundMe campaign set up to pay for funeral expenses has already raised more than $20,000, but the shooting remains under investigation as no arrests have been made.

The family is asking anyone with information to come forward.