'Gentle-Hearted' Grandfather May Never Walk Again After Struck By SUV In His Own Home

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A Crystal Lake man planned to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding later this year. Now he may never walk at all.

Angelo Pleotis suffered life-threatening injuries after an SUV left the road near his residence in the 100 block of Heather Drive around 7 p.m. July 27 and crashed through Pleotis’ garage before becoming airborne and striking the home and Pleotis himself, inside, according to police and a GoFundMe started by Pleotis’ family. Both Pleotis and the driver were flown to Condell Hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said.

“He didn’t deserve any of this,” said Alyssa Pleotis, Angelo Pleotis’ daughter-in-law, in the GoFundMe description. “He has had his entire life flipped upside down in the one place he should feel the safest — his own home.”

As of Tuesday evening, nearly $65,000 had been donated for Angelo Pleotis, who Alyssa Pleotis described as a caring and supportive grandfather and “one of the kindest, most gentle-hearted people I’ve ever met.”

Angelo Pleotis remained in intensive care late last week after suffering collapsed lungs, broken ribs, head trauma, lacerations and spinal injuries that caused paralysis, according to the GoFundMe. WLS reported the 64-year-old may not walk again. Another relative who was living in the home was displaced as well. GoFundMe contributions will help cover medical expenses and housing costs.