So that this doesn’t have to happen to anyone else again.”Īldana, a college friend, shared her memories of Mahadeva with Block Club Chicago: “When we reconnected, I was at a time in my life when I was trying to understand my queerness for me. “I’m hopeful that there will be answers, that there will be justice, and that there will be safety in the city for everyone. Saxon-Maldonado, a close friend of Mahadeva’s spoke to WGN News about the tragic attack: “ was magnificent and wonderful, and so bright and beautiful and that their lives were forever touched by his presence in it. Suraj was an active member of queer, Filipinx, and South Asian communities across Chicago and the Midwest.” “Suraj had his whole life ahead of him and we are heartbroken that his life was cut short.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of another member of the Asian American community,” the AAAJ said in a statement. The organisation confirmed the 26-year-old helped advocate for “our collective liberation over the past 2 years.” The Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) organization of Chicago released a statement memorialising Mahadeva’s death and supporting in sharing a positive image of the volunteer. “He was passionate about his Sri Lankan and Filipino cultural heritage and was an active member in both the Asian and LGBTQ community,” the page reads. Suraj was a dedicated medical clinician at a dermatology office in which he was aspiring to become a physician’s assistant. He really cared about helping others and it showed in his work and passions. “He cherished his family and friends, and showed his love by cooking to nourish their mind and body. I really can’t stress this enough, but Suraj was one of the best people I knew.Ī GoFundMe page has been set up in Mahadeva’s honour by his cousin Anika Mahadeva and friend Christina Buckler. “Suraj Mahadeva lost his life as the result of a shooting in Palmer Square, Chicago. Mahadeva – whose name means “Rising Sun” – was described by a friend as a “beautiful, brilliant person” and “effervescent”. Over 100 people attended the memorial to pay tribute to Mahadeva at the Halsted LGBTQ Community Center in Chicago. The Chicago Police Department has not issued any information on a potential suspect or additional news on who the suspect could be.Ī memorial was held for the 26 year-old on December 16. On December 11th, Mahadeva was tragically killed in the early hours of the morning. Suraj Mahadeva, a 26 year-old Filipino and Sri Lankan man, was shot in the head outside his friend’s Palmer Square home.