Johan Adarve Sanchez’s final moments unfolded in a way that has left his community shaken. On the afternoon of Thursday, January 8, just after classes had ended at Morton East High School, Johan was making his way toward the bus stop with his girlfriend and cousin. What should have been a routine walk home turned into a devastating encounter. A group of teens was waiting nearby, and among them was one carrying a gun.
Witnesses say Johan appeared startled when he realized the group was targeting him. In an attempt to escape, he tried to run, but the gunman fired. The first shot struck him in the chest, a wound that immediately left him struggling to breathe. A second shot hit his ankle, bringing him down.
His girlfriend rushed to his side, desperately trying to administer CPR and first aid, but quickly realized he was no longer breathing. The scene was chaotic and terrifying, with classmates and bystanders watching in shock as Johan’s young life slipped away.
Emergency responders arrived and transported him to the hospital, but the injuries were too severe. Doctors confirmed his death later that day. He was only 17 years old, a teenager with dreams of graduating, joining the military, and supporting his mother back in Colombia. His godfather described him as “a humble kid” who avoided conflict and focused on his goals, making the violence that claimed his life all the more senseless.
Family members have shared that Johan had been experiencing bullying at school, and they fear this may have played a role in the attack. The possibility that harassment escalated into deadly violence has sparked outrage and grief, raising urgent questions about safety and protection for vulnerable students.
Johan’s death has left a void not only in his family but also in the wider community. Friends remember him as quiet, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his loved ones. His story is now a painful reminder of how quickly a promising future can be stolen, and how the ripple effects of violence extend far beyond the moment itself.