On July 25, 2016, 26-year-old Johnathan Mills was shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois, near the high school he once attended, North Lawndale College Prep. Mills, who was well-known in Chicago's basketball community, had been working out in preparation for a move overseas to play professional basketball when he was tragically killed. The shooting occurred in the afternoon near a local corner store. Reports indicated that Mills was with friends when a car drove up, and someone inside opened fire, fatally wounding him.
Mills was a former basketball standout at North Lawndale and went on to play for Southern Mississippi, where he earned recognition for his tough playing style and his tenacity on the court. He had also played professionally in Canada and in other semi-pro leagues, and his plans to continue his basketball career overseas were cut short by the senseless violence. Known for his big personality and resilience, Mills was beloved by his community, friends, and former teammates, who remembered him as someone who played with immense passion and dedication.
Mills's death was a devastating blow to those who knew him and to the community that had watched his rise as an athlete. Many tributes poured in following his death, with friends, coaches, and teammates remembering him for his humor, dedication, and the joy he brought to those around him. His passing also highlighted the pervasive issue of gun violence in Chicago, a city that faced significant challenges in reducing homicides and ensuring the safety of its residents in 2016, a year marked by a high number of shooting incidents.
