Boy, 14, dies days after being struck by vehicle outside Hinsdale sub shop
A 14-year-old boy died Thursday night three days after a Jeep drove into the side of Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale, Monday afternoon.
Sean Patrick Richards, 14, of Hinsdale, died from injuries sustained in the crash, the Cook County medical examiner’s office confirmed Friday.
“Our hearts are broken as we inform you that our precious angel, Sean Patrick Richards, went to heaven Thursday, July 20. We are devastated and will forever have a large hole in our hearts,” parents Kristine and Brian Richards wrote in a statement.
“Sean was a gentle soul who was always both humble and kind. Full of joy, he was the most loving child and was a friend to everyone he met. In May, at age 14, he graduated 8th grade at St. Isaac Jogues Parish Catholic School in our hometown of Hinsdale and he was eager to begin high school at Benet Academy in the fall.”
The Richards family expressed gratitude to the numerous medical staff that worked to treat Sean and the outpouring of support from their community at St. Isaac Jogues School, Benet Academy and Hinsdale.
“Sean left an incredible legacy,” St. Isaac Jogues School Principal Carol Burlinski said in an interview with the Pioneer Press.” Burlinski knew Sean for 8 years as a student and member of the local parish, describing his earnestness to lend a hand to others.
“[Sean] was one of those people others want to be like, so thoughtful, so kind,” Burlinski said. “We’re all surrounding the Richards family with all of our support and love.”
Friday morning, St. Isaac students and other community members could be seen tying green ribbons to trees around Hinsdale in honor of Sean.
Hinsdale police and fire departments responded to reports that a car had crashed into Fontano’s Subs at 9 S. Lincoln Street, Hinsdale at 2:36 p.m. Monday.
According to authorities, four bystanders inside the building had been struck, three were taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in serious condition, one was treated and released at the scene.
Richards, walking outside the restaurant, was also struck and critically injured, he was immediately transported to Hinsdale Hospital and later transported to Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago Hospital.
Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King said Friday that no citations or charges have been filed against the driver of the Jeep as the department is still waiting for test results. King said a decision about possible charges will not be reached until the end of next week, at the earliest.
Hinsdale police partnered with the Major Crash Reconstruction Team from the DuPage County Merit Task Force, for an investigation of the crash site.
Initial reports by investigators indicate the driver, who was not injured, was leaving the parking lot of Fullers Service Center across the street from Fontano’s.
“The entire Fuller family is deeply saddened and shaken by this loss. We will continue to hold his family, who has suffered an unimaginable tragedy, in our hearts and prayers. We will also pray for strength and comfort for the whole community as they struggle with this devastating event,” the Fuller family, who own the business, said in a statement.
Fontano’s is the second business to experience a car crashing through an entrance in Hinsdale. On April 28, a vehicle was driven into the storefront of MyEyeDr, at 104 S. Washington Street; no injuries were reported.
