Restaurants & Bars

Damaged Hinsdale Deli Reopens 2 Weeks After Crash

The words from the teen who died in the crash are on the front of the restaurant.

Fontano's Subs remains boarded up two weeks after a Fuller's Car Wash worker crashed a car into the eatery. The message on the front is in honor of 14-year-old Hinsdale resident Sean Patrick Richards, a pedestrian who died as a result of the crash.
Fontano's Subs remains boarded up two weeks after a Fuller's Car Wash worker crashed a car into the eatery. The message on the front is in honor of 14-year-old Hinsdale resident Sean Patrick Richards, a pedestrian who died as a result of the crash. (David Giuliani/Patch)

HINSDALE, IL – Fontano's Subs opened its doors again Monday two weeks after a driver crashed into the restaurant.

On the afternoon of July 17, a teenage employee of Fuller's Car Wash across the street is reported to have crashed a car into the restaurant at 102 Chicago Ave.

He struck 14-year-old Hinsdale resident Sean Patrick Richards, a pedestrian who died a few days later, police said. Also hit were three restaurant customers, who have since sued Fuller's, authorities said.

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Fontano's front window is boarded up, with a painted message that reads, "We should not be afraid of death or suffering because Jesus' cross always wins."

It continues, "These are the words of Sean Richards, and he spoke these words for you."

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Also, outside the restaurant is a sign that says, "Pray for Sean," which is similar to others in town.

Green ribbons are tied around trees throughout Hinsdale, including one on the parkway in front of Fuller's Car Wash, which is also open.

Police officials have not returned messages about the status of the investigation. They have said nothing about whether charges would be filed against the Fuller's employee.

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