The Chicago community is reeling after an 18‑year‑old basketball player was shot dead inside an Uber vehicle on a quiet evening in the city's West Side. The incident, which also claimed the life of the driver, has left families, teammates and local officials searching for answers.
A Young Athlete With Big Dreams
Damarion Johnson, a recent graduate of Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, had earned a full‑ride scholarship to play basketball at the collegiate level. He was an active member of Project sWISH Chicago, a program that uses sports to mentor inner‑city youth and steer them toward brighter futures.
The driver, Jassen Cho, was a 38‑year‑old financial analyst and DePaul University alumnus who supplemented his income by driving for Uber. Friends described him as a diligent professional who loved the city he called home.
Police have not yet identified a motive for the shooting, and no arrests have been made. Investigators are combing the scene on the 200‑block of North Homan Avenue in Garfield Park, hoping for leads that might bring clarity to the tragedy.
Uber released a statement expressing condolences to the families and confirming that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The company has also pledged to assist in any way it can as the investigation unfolds.
Mayor's office officials announced that they will cover the funeral expenses for Damarion Johnson, a gesture meant to ease the financial burden on his mother, Candace Johnson, during an unimaginably difficult time.
In the wake of the shooting, grief counselors have been made available at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep to support students and staff coping with the loss. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest.