Early Sunday morning, the community of Lansing, Illinois awoke to tragic news: 17-year-old Ross Anthony Whitt was killed in a shooting outside what had been an after-party for a high school Homecoming celebration. According to the Lake County Coroner’s Office, the incident occurred in the 2800 block of 189th Street just after midnight on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Ross had attended a celebration of Homecoming and afterward, along with other classmates, went to a gathering in the south-side neighborhood of Lansing. Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like fireworks just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday night—gunshots that shattered the usual quiet of the 2800 block of 189th Street. Panic and lights from multiple law-enforcement units quickly followed.
When first-responders arrived, Ross was already wounded. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital after sustaining fatal gunshot injuries. The Coroner’s Office officially identified him as the victim and noted the investigation remains active, though details such as motive and suspect(s) have not yet been released.
The loss has hit deeply. Friends and family describe Ross as a bright young man with promise—someone enjoying his final year of high school and looking forward to the future. In a community still reeling from the news, many are coming together to mourn and remember him. The setting of the gathering adds another layer: an after-party tied to Homecoming, a celebration meant for fun and community, now overshadowed by tragedy.
Officials are urging any witnesses, or anyone with information, to step forward. They say social-media posts are being monitored, tips are being gathered, and the public’s help may prove crucial in bringing answers. Local law-enforcement groups emphasize the importance of vigilance in high-energy gatherings such as Homecoming events, where large groups and after-parties can increase risks.
As neighbors place candles, flowers, and photographs near the block where the shooting occurred, there is a sober recognition: this is not simply a local loss, but a chilling reminder that violence can strike when least expected. The households around the quiet street no longer feel the same; for them, the moment of gunfire changed everything.
In the midst of overwhelming grief, Ross’s family has asked for privacy, requesting the community’s respect as they navigate this devastating time. Meanwhile, schools, youth groups, and local organizations in the Lansing area are organizing vigils, community talks and ways to honor Ross’s memory—ensuring that his life, his smile, and his potential are not forgotten in the wake of such senseless violence.
If you were in the 2800 block of 189th Street in Lansing overnight on October 25-26 and saw anything — no matter how small it may have seemed — you’re encouraged to contact the Lansing Police Department or submit an anonymous tip. The investigation continues, and the community remains hopeful for answers in memory of Ross Anthony Whitt.