The family of a 22-year-old Waukegan man, who was a Southern Illinois University student, has started a fundraiser to help pay for funeral costs after the man was shot and killed in Gurnee.
An autopsy showed that Daniel F. Lobo, 22, of Waukegan, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the back, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
Lake County Major Crime Task Force Spokesman Christopher Covelli said a vehicle showed up at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan around 12:05 a.m. Saturday.
The driver of the vehicle drove to the hospital to seek medical attention for his passenger, identified as Lobo, who had been shot.
Covelli said Lobo was pronounced dead after being brought into the emergency room.
The hospital notified the Gurnee Police Department about the incident and officers learned Lobo had been shot near Waveland Avenue and Grandview Avenue in Gurnee.
Gurnee police contacted the Lake County Major Crime Task Force to assist them in the investigation.
A preliminary investigation shows the driver of the vehicle, also a 22-year-old Waukegan man, had been driving recklessly prior to the shooting, Covelli said.
The man then turned onto Waveland Avenue and began to slow down.
Another vehicle pulled up behind him and at least one suspect began shooting at the two men, Covelli said.
One of the rounds struck Lobo. The driver and the shooting victim were the only two occupants in the vehicle.
Covelli said the incident was possibly road rage but did not provide further details.
Lobo was six months shy of completing a Master’s in Biology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, according to his obituary.
“We are heartbroken to learn another member of our Saluki family, Daniel Fernando Lobo, has left us too soon. Our thoughts go out to the studentโs family and friends as they face Thanksgiving without him,” Southern Illinois University Chancellor Austin Lane said in a statement.
“Growing up he loved sports, was an avid baseball player since age of 6. He also enjoyed music; oldies and bachata were among his favorites. He was a sweetheart, a dedicated and smart young man. He spent most of his time studying, playing sports, visiting family and friends,” his obituary said.
Itzel Lobo, Daniel Lobo’s sister, created a GoFundMe account to help their parents with funeral expenses. “They are in a state of deep distress.”
“My beautiful brother was taken from me. My twin. My best friend. Words cannot describe the pain that I feel. You were so close to reaching your dreams. I just want one more second to hold you. I would do anything to bring you back. Watch over us Daniel fly high angel,” Itzel Lobo said in a social media post.
The GoFundMe account has raised nearly $14,000 from 200 donators as of Wednesday.
The shooting is actively being investigated by Gurnee Police Department detectives and Lake County Major Crime Task Force investigators.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Gurnee Police Department at 847-599-7000.
Anonymous tips can also be left with Lake County CrimeStoppers at 847-662-2222 or online at www.lakecountycrimestoppers.com.