E2 nightclub stampede victims to be remembered with vigil 20 years after tragedy
CHICAGO - On this day in 2003, 21 people never made it home following an evening out at the E2 nightclub in the South Loop.
Friday marked 20 years since the tragedy, but for the victims’ loved ones, it feels like only yesterday.
The E2 nightclub is long gone, but the building still stands at 2347 S. Michigan Avenue.
There is no sign to mark the tragedy – but the young lives lost were remembered with a vigil on Friday night.
"I would love to see life with her. It’s the only thing I dream of," said Shapara Hicks, daughter of Latorya McGraw, who was 24 years old when she was killed.
On that fateful night of February 17, 2003, a security guard in the overcrowded club used pepper spray to break up a fight, but panic set in, with patrons fearing it was a gas attack.
As hundreds of people rushed toward the exit, club-goers fell down the steep, narrow staircase – landing on top of each other. People were trampled, crushed, and suffocated.
At the time, the second-floor club was supposed to be closed for building code violations.
"Make sure y’all keep your mother close, because you’re never going to get another one," said Hicks.
Hicks was just 6 years old when she lost her mother, Latorya McGraw.
McGraw was one of 21 people who were killed that night; more than 50 others were injured.
"The hardest thing is the memories that come back to that night," said Mary Carwell, mother of Demetricta Carwell.
Demetricta Carwell was 23 years old and had just spoke to her mom on the phone minutes before chaos erupted.
"It’s been hard. It’s like losing your best friend," said Mary Carwell.
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As they do each year, the victims’ families came together to remember the lives taken too soon by holding a vigil.
"I just want everybody to know that have daughters, sisters, brothers, mother or father, always, always remember to tell them you love them," said Mary Carwell.
In addition to her mother and other relatives, Demetricta Carwell is survived by her daughter – who was 4 years old at the time of the tragedy.
Like McGraw and Demetricta Carwell, many of the victims were parents of young children.
Michael Wilson was the father of a 3-year-old he called ‘Little Mike.’ That toddler is now 23 years old, and grew up without a father.
Dawn Valenti – who organized Friday’s vigil – is a crisis responder and advocate for victims. Michael Wilson was her best friend’s son.
She said the tragedy was devastating to the families and to the entire community.
The city of Chicago and the owners of the building were taken to court. The building owners served time on probation and community service.
The building is currently vacant, and available for lease.
Many believe the 21 victims deserve a permanent memorial there.
The E2 Nightclub victims are:
- Nita Anthony, 24
- Robert Brown, 31
- Demetricta Carwell, 23
- Bianca Ferguson, 24
- Kevin Gayden, 24
- Debra Gill, 29
- Theresa Gordon, 31
- Danielle Greene, 23
- Chanta Jackson, 26
- David M. Jones, 21
- Charles Lard, 43
- Latorya McGraw, 24
- Antonio Meyers, 22
- Nicole Patterson, 22
- Nicole Rainey, 24
- DeShand R. Ray, 24
- Charita Rhodes, 19
- Damien Riley, 24
- Maurice Robinson, 22
- Eazay Rogers, 21
- Michael Wilson, 22