Tragedy on Lake Michigan: Beloved Chicago Hairstylist Zahrie Walls Drowns During Black Yacht Weekend Festivities
CHICAGO, IL — June 21, 2025 — A festive summer outing on Lake Michigan took a devastating turn on Saturday when beloved Chicago hairstylist and entrepreneur Zahrie Walls tragically drowned after falling from a yacht during the annual Black Yacht Weekend event near Navy Pier. The incident has left family, friends, and the broader Chicago beauty community in mourning, as tributes pour in for a woman remembered for her vibrant energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep connections to the people she served and loved.
According to official reports and her obituary, Walls was enjoying the day with friends on the lake when she suddenly fell overboard. Despite the efforts of others aboard the vessel and emergency responders, she was submerged in the water and did not survive. Multiple individuals were pulled from the lake in the aftermath, but tragically, Zahrie’s life could not be saved.
The incident occurred during the Black Yacht Weekend, a popular summertime celebration that brings together dozens of boats and hundreds of people for a weekend of music, socializing, and celebration along the city’s lakeshore. What began as a joyous gathering quickly turned somber as news of the drowning spread across social media and through the community.
Walls, who described herself online as a “celebrity stylist, salon owner, and private investor,” had built a strong and respected presence in the Chicago hairstyling world. Known for her bold personality, trendsetting techniques, and deep care for her clients, she was much more than a stylist—she was a confidante, a mentor, and a visionary. Her Instagram and other platforms showcased not only her stunning hair artistry but also her commitment to uplifting those around her.
Many also remember Zahrie as a close friend of Kenneka Jenkins, the young woman whose mysterious death in a Rosemont hotel freezer in 2017 gained national attention and sparked widespread conversations about justice, safety, and support for young Black women. Zahrie had remained a voice in that movement and a pillar of strength for others navigating similar grief.
In the wake of her passing, friends and clients alike have taken to social media with tearful tributes:
“You were so full of life, Zahrie. Always lifting others up and giving your all. This world won’t be the same without your smile.”
“You made us feel beautiful inside and out. You poured into us even when you were tired. Rest easy, queen.”
Local officials have not yet released full details on what caused the accident or whether safety regulations were followed during the outing. The Chicago Police Department and marine units were involved in the recovery operation and are reportedly reviewing video footage and conducting interviews with witnesses.
Zahrie’s sudden passing has reignited concerns about boating safety and the importance of life vests and alcohol moderation during lake events. Black Yacht Weekend, while largely peaceful and celebratory in years past, has now been marred by this heartbreaking loss.
A memorial is reportedly being planned by Zahrie’s loved ones, with details to be announced in the coming days. Her legacy will live on in the many clients whose lives she touched, in the stylists she mentored, and in the community that now mourns her untimely death.
As Chicago grapples with the loss of one of its own, the name Zahrie Walls will be remembered not just as a talented hairstylist, but as a light that burned bright, inspired many, and was tragically extinguished far too soon.
If you or someone you know witnessed the incident or was aboard a nearby vessel and may have relevant information, authorities urge you to contact the Chicago Police Marine Unit.