Xander Kazanowski dies from head injuries after late-night bar fight in Chicago

A 25-year-old Chicago man who was preparing to welcome his second child has died after a violent altercation outside a bar, prompting a police search for four individuals believed to be involved.

Xander Kazanowski suffered severe head injuries during an incident at the Tune Up Bar on West Belmont Avenue in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood on March 24, according to Chicago police, as reported by local outlets including the Chicago Sun-Times, WGN-TV, and CWB Chicago.

Police said officers responded to the scene around 3:30 a.m. and found Kazanowski unresponsive outside the establishment. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

An autopsy conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Kazanowski died from blunt head trauma caused by an assault, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Loved ones said Kazanowski was a father to a young daughter, Thea, and was expecting a son, John. A GoFundMe created by family members described him as a “vibrant, creative soul,” and said donations would go toward supporting his children.

“The family is hoping to memorialize his vibrant, creative soul by providing for the needs, care and future of his children,” the fundraiser stated.

Friends and relatives also remembered him as someone who “lived boldly with ambition and individuality,” noting his love for nature, animals, and his dog Zeus.

Police are now reviewing surveillance footage and seeking help from the public to identify four individuals seen entering the bar shortly before the altercation. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests.

“This was a brutal and senseless act of violence,” Cook County Crime Stoppers Executive Director Paul Rutherford said, according to WGN-TV. 

“Someone in the community knows what happened, and we are urging them to do the right thing.”