Hinsdale teenager dies from injuries sustained in sub-workshop car crash

A 14-year-old boy died Friday morning four days after a Jeep rammed the side of Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale on Monday afternoon.

Sean Patrick Richards, 14, of Hinsdale. died of injuries sustained in the crash, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Friday.

“Our hearts are broken as we let you know that our precious angel, Sean Patrick Richards, went to heaven on Thursday, July 20. We are devastated and will forever have a big 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 friend to everyone he met. In May, at age 14, he graduated 8th grade from St. Isaac Jogues Parish Catholic School in our hometown of Hinsdale and was looking forward to starting high school at Benet Academy in the fall.

The Richards family expressed their gratitude to the many medical staff who worked to care for Sean and the outpouring of support from their community at St. Issac Jogues School, Benet Academy and Hinsdale.

Hinsdale Police and Fire Department responded to reports that a car crashed into Fontano Submarines at 9 S. Lincoln Street, Hinsdale at 2.36pm on Monday.

Authorities said four bystanders inside the building were beaten, 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 punched and seriously injured. He was immediately rushed to Hinsdale Hospital and then 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 awaiting test results. King said a decision on possible charges will not be made until late next week at the earliest.

Hinsdale Police have partnered with the DuPage County Merit Task Force Major Crash Reconstruction Team, for an investigation at the crash site.

Initial reports from investigators indicate that the driver, who was not injured, was leaving a parking lot across from Fontano’s home.

Fontano’s is the second company to see a car crash through a driveway in Hinsdale. On April 28, a vehicle was driven into the MyEyeDr storefront at 104 S. Washington Street; no injuries were reported.