CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A 24-year-old man, who was shot to death earlier this week in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, was remembered as a talented soccer player and as someone who gave back to the community.
He was known as “Chispas,” which is Spanish for “spark.”
Carlos Sanchez was shot multiple times as he stood on a sidewalk at 49th Street and Hoyne Avenue, a couple blocks from Back of the Yards College Prep — where he was described by his former team as “one of our most celebrated soccer players.”
“Chispa just created a culture of soccer, and love for the game in his community,” Illinois state Rep. Aaron Ortiz (D-Chicago) told CBS 2. “He's leaving a big hole in everyone's heart.”
Ortiz was his coach and said Sanchez was “an all-star” player.
“Out of many of the students that I had the opportunity to work with, he was probably one of the closest students,” Ortiz said. “He was a smart, kind, loving individual who really loved his community — Back of the Yards — but really loved the game of soccer.”
Sanchez was also known for volunteer work and for helping others. It’s unclear if he was targeted by the shooter.
The case remains under investigation.
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