The Chicago neighborhood of Auburn Gresham was shaken early Wednesday morning when the body of Tim Bankston, a revered basketball coach and mentor, was discovered inside a home on the 7600 block of South Emerald Street.
Police reported that Bankston had been shot in the stomach around 10 a.m., and despite immediate attempts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators noted that Bankston did not reside in the house where he was found; he had been staying in Gary, Indiana, at the time of his death.
A Life Dedicated to the Game
For decades, Bankston served as the varsity basketball coach at Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City, where he mentored countless young athletes, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a love for the sport.
Colleagues and former players recall his open‑door policy, often staying after practice to discuss life goals, and his habit of buying equipment for students who could not afford it.
Family members, including his sisters and great‑niece, described him as a generous soul who never hesitated to give, a trait that defined his interactions both on and off the court.
He is survived by his wife and three children, who are currently processing the sudden loss. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Community Response and a Call to Preserve His Legacy
17th Ward Alderman David Moore, a longtime friend and classmate of Bankston, addressed the media, asserting that the shooting does not appear to be linked to any illicit activity. He emphasized the need to protect Bankston’s legacy of uplifting youth.
Moore’s remarks come as the community rallies to remember the coach’s contributions, with plans for a memorial event still in early discussion.