Former High School Wrestler Beaten To Death; 4 Sought For Questioning In Homicide

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying four people wanted for questioning in connection with the fatal beating of 25-year-old Xander Kazanowski, a former Barrington High School wrestler.

Chicago Police Department detectives released surveillance images and descriptions of four people they want to speak with after Kazanowski was found unresponsive with severe head injuries in the 3900 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood in the early morning hours of March 24, according to media reports.

Police reports indicate Kazanowski had been forcibly removed following a fight at the Tune Up Bar and was later discovered with critical head trauma, the Daily Herald is reporting. He was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center and remained in critical condition before dying on March 28.

Cook County authorities ruled his death a homicide from blunt head trauma due to assault.

Detectives are now looking to speak with four individuals in connection with the homicide and have released descriptions of the four individuals as well as surveillance footage showing them near the scene.

The individuals include:

• An African American male wearing a black jacket, black baseball hat and blue jeans
• An Asian female in a black jacket and white pants
• An African American male in a black jacket, white hooded sweatshirt, and black pants
• An African American male in a blue jacket, blue jeans, and a brown winter hat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Five Detectives at 3120746-6614 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference RD # JK192078.

Kazanowski, a South Barrington native, was a standout wrestler at Barrington High School and later founded Wurk Services, a platform connecting workers to gig jobs in landscaping, cleaning and moving services across the Chicago area.

Family and friends are remembering him as charismatic, creative and deeply compassionate. He is survived by his daughter, Thea, and was also expecting a son at the time of his death, according to his obituary.

"He 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," his obituary states. "Our hearts are absolutely shattered by the profound tragedy of losing such an irreplaceable personality at such a young age."

A memorial service honoring Kazanowski is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, with visitation beginning an hour before the service.

An online fundraiser to support Kazanowski’s children has brought in more than $11,000. Those interested in donating can do so here.