Cortez’s life took a tragic turn after appearing on “Last Chance High.” He was shot and killed in Chicago at the age of 19.
“Last Chance High” was a documentary series that aired on Vice, showcasing the lives of at-risk youth attending the Moses Montefiore Academy in Chicago. Cortez was one of the students featured, and his struggles with behavioral issues and the challenges of his environment were highlighted in the series.
After the show ended, Cortez returned to his life in Chicago. Unfortunately, the city’s high levels of violence and gang activity claimed his life. On August 24, 2015, Cortez was fatally shot. His death underscored the harsh realities faced by many young people in similar circumstances and the ongoing crisis of gun violence in American cities. Cortez’s story, while heartbreaking, brought attention to the need for more support and intervention programs for at-risk youth. His memory continues to be a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done to help young people navigate challenging environments and to prevent such tragedies from occurring.