Chicago Hairstylist Zahrie Walls, 27, Dies in Tragic Drowning Near Navy Pier
CHICAGO, IL — June 21, 2025 — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Chicago’s beauty community and left a family in mourning after 27-year-old Zahrie Walls, a rising hairstylist known for her vibrant spirit and creative talent, lost her life in a drowning incident near Navy Pier on Saturday evening.
According to the Chicago Police Department, officers responded to emergency calls around 5:30 p.m. in the 600 block of East Grand Avenue, near the bustling Navy Pier entertainment district, after reports surfaced of a possible drowning. First responders from the Chicago Fire Department’s Marine Unit quickly located Zahrie in the waters of Lake Michigan and pulled her to shore.
She was transported in critical condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where, despite all life-saving efforts, she was later pronounced dead.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the community, particularly among friends, family members, and clients who knew Zahrie as not only a gifted hairstylist, but also a vibrant personality who brought joy and inspiration to everyone around her. Known for her dedication to her craft and her plans to eventually open her own salon, Zahrie was considered by many to be a rising star in Chicago’s beauty and fashion scene.
“Zahrie was more than a hairstylist—she was a light in our lives,” said one longtime client in a social media tribute. “Every time you sat in her chair, you left not just looking beautiful, but feeling uplifted.”
As of Sunday, authorities have not released details about how Zahrie ended up in the water, and the circumstances surrounding her drowning remain under active investigation. Police have not ruled out any scenarios, including the possibility of an accident, and are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with potential witnesses who may have been nearby at the time of the incident.
Witness accounts suggest that a woman was seen in distress in the water before emergency crews arrived, but no conclusive information has been shared publicly. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen what happened or who has additional information to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area Three Detectives.
As news of Zahrie’s death spread, tributes poured in across social media platforms. Fellow stylists, influencers, and clients shared photos, memories, and heartbreak over the loss of someone described as “fearlessly creative,” “driven,” and “full of love.”
Many in Chicago’s beauty industry are organizing a candlelight vigil at Navy Pier in her memory, celebrating Zahrie’s life and passion for uplifting others through her work. Close friends say she often spoke about building a legacy and creating a space where people felt empowered and seen—goals that she had already begun to accomplish through her artistry and the relationships she built.
Zahrie’s family has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time but released a short statement through a relative:
“Zahrie was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a beacon of light to so many. Our hearts are shattered, but we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all who knew her. She touched lives in ways we never fully realized.”
As Chicago’s lakefront enters its busy summer season, officials are also reminding the public of the importance of waterfront safety. Though Lake Michigan is one of the city’s greatest assets, it can also be dangerous due to unpredictable currents, unguarded access points, and shifting weather conditions.
The investigation into Zahrie Walls’ death remains ongoing, and updates will be released as more information becomes available. In the meantime, a community grieves the loss of a young woman whose beauty, talent, and heart left an unforgettable impression on everyone she met.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Chicago Police Area Three detectives at (312) 744-8261.
