Chicago Model, Expecting Second Child, Dies After Brutal Bar Attack; Police Hunt 4 Suspects

A Chicago man who was expecting his second child was bludgeoned to death outside a bar in West Belmont.

On March 25, 2026, at about 3.20 a.m., 25-year-old Alexander “Xander” Kazanowski was found unresponsive by a bystander and transported to a local hospital. He died in the hospital days later from blunt force trauma.

“The injuries are consistent with a fatal bleeding,” the Cook County Crime Stoppers said. “Area detectives are actively investigating and are asking for the public’s help. If you witnessed the incident or have any information that could assist in identifying the offenders, please come forward.”

Kazanowski, an Illinois-based model, was asked to exit the bar after reportedly making comments inside, according to WGN-TV.

After leaving the bar, he allegedly exchanged words with a group of people before being found in critical condition.

The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is searching for four suspects in the homicide and has announced a cash reward of up to $10,000.

Officials described the suspects as three African American males and one Asian woman, according to The New York Post.

Surveillance footage outside the bar, Tune-Up, captured the suspects entering on the night of the attack, though it is unclear whether the footage was recorded before or after the assault.

Kazanowski modeled for weddings and bridal shoots.

He also listed himself as the chief executive officer and founder of the Chicago-area company Wurk, which provides household services to clients.

Family members said Kazanowski “possessed a natural charisma that enlivened every room he entered.”

“Truly one of a kind, he was a rare example of a man who had the resolve to carve his own path and live entirely on his own terms. Our hearts are absolutely shattered by the profound tragedy of losing such an irreplaceable personality at such a young age,” his obituary reads.

Kazanowski leaves behind his daughter, Thea, and his soon-to-be-born son, John, the family said.

He is survived by his partner, Tori Zanoni; his parents, John and Jan Kazanowski; his siblings, Christian and Kimberly.

“He was a man who carved his own path through sheer hustle, doing anything and everything—from landscaping to tutoring—to bring his visions to life. Yet, this relentless ambition was balanced by a vibrant, creative soul. He was a modern-day Renaissance man who found expression through acting and modeling, and who frequently shared his voice and music at open-mic nights,” the obituary continued.

A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 11 in the Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington.

Kazanowski donated several organs to other patients.

“True to his character, his final act was a perfect expression of his generous heart. As an organ donor, he saved multiple lives and helped countless others move closer to the miracle of a second chance,” his family said.

A GoFundMe page set up for his children has raised $13,905 of its $24,000 goal.