A 17-year-old boy who died days after being shot in the chest in Austin on the West Side is remembered as a “gentle soul” who made significant relationships with his peers and family.
Michael Reese died about 1:12 a.m. Monday at Mt. Sinai Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He lived in the West Town neighborhood and attended Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Reese was shot five days earlier when someone approached him on a sidewalk about 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in the 5800 block of West Washington Boulevard, Chicago police and the medical examiner’s office said.
He was struck in the chest and taken to Mt. Sinai in critical condition, police said.
No arrests have been made as Area North detectives conduct a homicide investigation, police said.
Lynda Parker, director of student services of Oak Park and River Forest High School, said in an email to parents that it was with “great sorrow” she announced the death of Reese, who was a senior at the school.
“Michael was a gentle soul, who had significant relationships with many teachers, staff and students,” Parker said.
“You may remember him as he was the young man who was very stylish and always coordinated his outfits. Though he was quiet, he left quite the impression on many and he will be missed.”
Parker said social workers and counselors would be available for students.
