On Sunday, a car enthusiast and Polish immigrant was fatally shot during an attempted carjacking in Fuller Park, Chicago, on the morning of his 25th birthday.
At approximately 7:55 a.m., while on his way to work for his company Comecer at the University of Chicago, Michal Ciskal made a stop at a Shell gas station situated in the 5400 block of South Wells Street.
David Nowak, Ciskal’s friend and roommate, was on his way to buy a cake for Ciskal’s surprise birthday party in Des Plaines when he received devastating news – Ciskal had been shot and killed.
According to Nowak, he and his friend crossed paths several years ago through their shared passion for automotives. The moment they met, they hit it off, and it felt like they had been friends for ages. As they bonded over cars, his friend quickly became an integral part of their group. Nowak noted that his buddy was always there for them without hesitation, exhibiting that kind of personable and dependable character.
As per Nowak’s speculation, the customized BMW M235i that Ciskal was driving on the morning of his death might have caught people’s attention.
According to Nowak, Michal was a person who would not give in easily, and it’s likely that he resisted the attackers. Unfortunately, they ended up shooting him. However, the attackers couldn’t drive away since the car was a stick shift, and Michal died standing up for what he believed in. He strongly believed in the importance of earning things rather than stealing them, and his actions were a testament to his values.
At 17 years old, Ciskal made the decision to immigrate to Chicago and start a new life for himself. Prior to this, he had spent his teenage years visiting the city and staying with his aunt.
According to Nowak, trade classes are offered in Polish high schools, and the individual in question had taken electrical courses, which provided him with a foundation for becoming a technician. He began his career by working in apartment complexes owned by his aunt and worked his way up the ladder through sheer hard work and dedication. His work ethic was unparalleled, and that was the key to his success.
As Ciskal’s friends were busy planning a surprise party, Ciskal himself was eagerly preparing for the arrival of his family from Poland.
Lucas Prezeklas, a friend of the victim, expressed his disbelief and frustration with the tragic event, questioning the purpose and reasoning behind it. “Why and what was the point?” he asked. He deemed the incident as senseless, resulting in the worst possible outcome and becoming the worst case imaginable.
The statement below was issued by Comecer North America.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Michal. Our entire professional community, including colleagues, customers, and partners, is at a loss for words over this devastating event. Michal was an incredibly dedicated individual who had a true passion for his work. He possessed the ambition and ability to achieve great success in his career. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Sun-Times reported that the gunmen made their escape in a stolen gray BMW, after leaving Ciskal’s BMW.
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