With the deepest of sorrows, we lost my disabled cousin, Michael Ryan Solomon, tragically this last Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, on a bitter cold night at 1 am in Chicago Heights. Michael was brutally beaten to death by one of his roommates, reasons unclear due to an ongoing investigation. Only 36 years old, his life was cut incredibly short by pure evil.

Michael was a rambunctious kid; he loved video games, adored skateboarding, and hanging out with his cousins. At 15 years old, he endured a skateboarding injury to the head, causing difficulties in his learning abilities. In his adolescence, regardless of his struggles, he still cared for his father, Frank Solomon, who suffered cirrhosis of the liver due to exposure to chemicals during his profession as an exterminator. Nevertheless, Michael provided companionship and care to his dad until Frank passed in December 2023.

In 2021, Michael was walking to the store for his dad and was struck by a car on Roosevelt Rd., causing an unfortunate back injury. He worked hard at rehabilitation but unfortunately resulted in a permanent disability, relying religiously on a walker.

My aunt is out of state and is in need of help for funeral arrangements and travel expenses. Any assistance and prayers would be appreciated during this devastating time.