Portillo's To Install Barriers After Tragedy, Oswego Holds Moment Of Silence For Victims

OSWEGO, IL — The Oswego Village Board held a moment of silence at Monday's regular meeting in remembrance of the 2-year-old boy who lost his life in the July 30 Portillo's crash.

To begin the meeting, which took place one day in advance due to National Night Out activities on Tuesday, Village President Ryan Kauffman offered condolences to the boy's family and all those injured and affected by the crash in which a driver plowed through the entrance of the restaurant on Route 34.

Kauffman shared the following statement before asking for a moment of silence:

"As a father, I can't even begin to comprehend the pain and the heartbreak this family is feeling. It's the kind of loss that leaves you breathless. If works could heal, I would say them all. On behalf of the entire Village Board and the community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and to all those injured or affected. I also want to thank police, fire and bystanders for their quick reaction. Oswego is a strong and compassionate community, and in times of grief, we come together. I have no doubt that we will continue to support this family and one another in the difficult days ahead. We will rise as one community."

Kauffman said that in response to the crash, Portillo's plans to install barriers in front of its entrance on its own volition — the village only requires barriers for permanent outdoor seating — according to a report from WSPY News.

The restaurant partially reopened on Monday, opening its drive-thru days after the crash, NBC Chicago reported.

RELATED: After 'Unimaginable' Portillo's Tragedy, Kauffman Says 'Nothing Is Off The Table' In Safety Discussions

Trustees shared their condolences during the meeting, with some vowing to partner with other local officials to find avenues to avoid similar tragedies in the future.

"Oswego has come through together on many tragedies, and this is another one where we are giving each other a hug," Jennifer Hughes said. "It is difficult. We'll get through it, but we're going to mourn for a while."

"I think it's important for us to honor this little boy's short life by preventing similar tragedies in the future," Rachelle Koenig said. "What can we do in the future from an infrastructure perspective, from prevention, all sorts of things, to try and avoid this from happening again? I am committed to partnering with the trustees and Mayor Kauffman and village staff to find ways to make that happen."

"It's difficult to fathom the loss of a young one," said Andrew Torres. "... It's just tragic. I am right there with you to partner to see what we can do from an infrastructure standpoint or if we can do anything, public or private, to take any steps that we can to prevent this from happening in the future."

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help the boy's family cover funeral and medical costs.

RELATED: No Charges Filed In Portillo's Crash That Killed 2-Year-Old, Investigation Continues: Oswego PD