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A Chicago teenager is celebrating his 16th birthday this week while paralyzed and breathing through a ventilator, marking exactly one year since a park worker opened fire on him and his friend.
According to a report by ABC7 Chicago, the tragedy occurred on June 26, 2025, at the Douglass Park pool when an on-duty lifeguard pulled a weapon and began shooting at park visitors.
The gunfire killed 15-year-old Marjay Dotson and left Jeremy Herred Jr. with life-altering physical injuries.
Surveillance video captured the entire incident, which led authorities to arrest and charge Charles Leto for his direct role in the shootings.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW.
Now, three days every week, the Herred family travels to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab so the teenager can complete intensive physical therapy sessions.
During these rigorous medical appointments, Herred Jr. practices moving his mouth and neck to operate a specialized motorized wheelchair.
Despite the immense physical challenges of relying on assistive machinery to breathe, the teenager maintains a positive outlook on his daily life.
“It’s OK, we are figuring it out,” Herred Jr. stated during a recent rehabilitation session.
His father, Jeremy Herred Sr., noted that the entire family draws its daily emotional strength from the young man’s unrelenting resilience.
Herred Sr. expressed that seeing his son laugh every day brings proud moments, though the reality remains deeply bittersweet because of the underlying tragedy.
This Friday, the family will gather with close friends to celebrate the teen’s 16th birthday and focus entirely on his survival.
“We are celebrating his life because a year ago, we got the news, and we got to prove what the doctor said was wrong,” Herred Sr. explained regarding their ongoing fight.
The shooting survivor stated that he has no plans to ever return to the Douglass Park pool, but he hopes the city employs better people at the facility this summer.
Herred Jr. credits his deep personal faith for keeping him motivated during his darkest moments.
“Just believe in God,” the teenager shared when asked about where he finds his mental strength.
He additionally stated that he regularly prays for the safety of other children so that nothing like this ever happens to anybody else in the community.
The deadly incident forced the Chicago Park District to launch a massive internal investigation into its employee hiring practices and seasonal staff oversight.
Park officials committed to executing 27 specific action items outlined in the official Douglass Park Internal Review published in July 2025.
Over the past 11 months, management has worked to implement new responsive staff training programs and increase overall public safety coverage at local facilities.
The Chicago Park District announced it will publicly release a comprehensive progress report next month listing all of the completed safety upgrades.
As the painful anniversary arrives, the community remains focused on supporting the teen as he continues his lengthy medical recovery surrounded by loved ones.
Community Safety and Awareness Tips
When visiting public recreational facilities, processing traumatic events, or supporting victims of community violence, keep these safety and wellness strategies in mind:
Review Local Park Safety Metrics: Check municipal updates or park district boards for newly implemented security personnel, updated camera coverage, and staff credentials.
Utilize Public Reporting Systems: Immediately report any unauthorized behavior or safety hazards by park personnel directly to city management via non-emergency lines like 311.
Access Local Trauma Support Resources: Families impacted by community violence can connect with local organizations or specialized rehabilitation spaces like the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for both mental and physical health guidance.
