Large Crowds? Some At Hinsdale South Dislike Them, Official Says

DARIEN, IL – A large group of Hinsdale South High School students attended the gathering where a mass shooting occurred June 18 in unincorporated Willowbrook, the principal said last week.

At Thursday's school board meeting, South Principal Patrick Hardy said the students who were "unfortunately victimized" by the shooting were "resilient" and "phenomenal."

"This summer, they told us they didn't want to be in crowds anymore," he said. "They gave us some advice on things we can do – no big gymnasium meetings."

But he said they still must walk through the cafeteria and hallways.

"I want to say to those students and their families and whoever else may be listening: You are phenomenal for the resilience you are showing and the adjustments you are making and your smiles we are seeing on your faces," Hardy said. "We will continue to be here for you in any way we can."

The shooting occurred during a Juneteenth celebration, with an estimated 300 people in attendance.

One person, Reginald Meadows, 31, of Willowbrook, died in the attack, which occurred early in the morning, authorities said. Another 22 were reported as injured.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigative agency. The case remains unsolved. Authorities say they are unsure how many people opened fire on the crowd.

The attack was at the strip mall at the southwest corner of Route 83 and Honeysuckle Rose Lane, next to the Hinsdale Lake Terrace Apartments. It was across the street from the Burr Ridge village limit.

It is the poorest neighborhood in the area, with younger students going to Burr Ridge School District 180. That district feeds into Hinsdale South.