CHICAGO (WLS) – Jess Kendall was a senior at Elgin High School.

His older brother, Thomas “Tommy” Kendall, told ABC7 over the phone that the 18-year-old and his girlfriend were on their way to the Lil Durk concert at the United Center on Sunday night when they were robbed at gunpoint and Jess had an accident suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

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“My little brother was the best friend I had in the world, you know?” said Tommy.

Tommy is devastated that his little brother's life was cut short.

He said Jess and his girlfriend drove into town for the Elgin concert and parked a few blocks from the United Center.

“They are on foot on the way to the concert and four men come, two on bicycles, two on foot. They have masks on,” Tommy said.

Tommy said the masked suspects took the couple's belongings and shot Jess, who later died.

Without a phone, identification or money, Jess' friend managed to run and call for help. She borrowed someone's phone to tell Tommy what happened.

“Take it in your hand and I hear crying. It's his girlfriend. She says, 'Tommy, Jess was shot.'”

Two other teenagers were also injured in the shooting. Tommy believes it was bystanders.

Tommy ran to his brother's bedside, but by 2:30 a.m. Monday, Jess could no longer fight his injuries, he said.

“My thoughts are racing. I will never see that little boy again. “I did what I could to protect him,” Tommy said. “I lost my best friend, my little brother. For what? Maybe he had $20 in his pocket.”

News of Jess' death hit his community in Elgin hard.

“He was mowing grass in the neighborhood. He did small jobs for old people in the neighborhood. “Everyone loved the kid,” Tommy said.

Jess was a senior at Elgin High School, loved cars and wanted to attend automotive school.

“When you think of Jess, you think of a smart, good-looking, strong automobile guy, you know?” Tommy said.

His older brother said they saw each other every day.

“I never thought I would see posts on social media saying “Rest in peace Jess.” It hits me,” Tommy said.

Tommy held a Polaroid photo of his little brother as he spoke to ABC7. It is a lasting, tangible connection.

“I had it in my car. I always looked after him. Now he watches over me. “How is that supposed to work?” said Tommy.

A district spokesperson said counselors will be made available to anyone who needs them.

So far, no one is in custody, police said.

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