Boy, 9, dies in drive-by shooting while playing with kids at grandma's birthday

A nine-year-old died in a drive-by shooting while playing outdoors with other children during his grandmother's 70th birthday celebration.

Chicago boy, Ulysses Campos, was playing with other children outside during his grandma’s birthday when a gunman opened fire from inside a moving car in a nearby alley on Saturday night.

The nine-year-old, who was in the suburb of Franklin Park, New York, when the gunfire erupted, has been described as a'kindhearted, loving kid' by his family who are devastated by his sudden loss.

Franklin Park police said that four to six shots were fired during the attack. Ulysses, an innocent grade-schooler, was the sole victim struck by the gunfire.

Following the shooting, Ulysses was immediately rushed to Loyola Hospital. Tragically, he succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest at around 11pm.

He was struck by a bullet in the chest and died at a hospital less than an hour later (Fox 32 Chicago WS)

The Franklin Park police have arrested a person of interest in connection with the drive-by shooting, although the individual has not been publicly identified as yet.

Ulysses' devastated family members remember him fondly, describing his love for Batman and playing video games.

In just two weeks, he would have celebrated his 10th birthday. A relative, aiming to support the grieving family, initiated a GoFundMe page to commemorate Ulysses, affectionately nicknamed "Uly Bear," as a kindhearted and enthusiastic child, always radiating excitement.

Furthermore, authorities recovered a car believed to be associated with the crime in Leyden Township.

Cops found a suspect vehicle in unincorporated Leyden Township and have detained a person of interest. (ABC 7/Youtube)

The shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, police added, assuring the community that there is no imminent threat to the general public.

The motive behind the shooting and whether Ulysses was the intended target remain unclear at this time.

At the site of the tragedy, a makeshift memorial adorned with balloons, candles, and flowers continues to grow in tribute to the nine-year-old's death.

‘He was a kindhearted, loving kid, he loved playing video games with his cousins, he had a creative imagination, and was always full of excitement,’ states the GoFundMe page. ‘He is a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin. He will be eternally missed.’