'Devastated': Hinsdale Teen's Parents Speak

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale teen who died Thursday after the crash at Fontano's Subs graduated in May from St. Isaac Jogues Parish Catholic School in Hinsdale, his family said Friday.

"Our hearts are broken as we inform you that our precious angel, Sean Patrick Richards, went to heaven Thursday, July 20," Kristine and Brian Richards said in a statement released through Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago. "We are devastated and will forever have a large hole in our hearts."

Sean Richards was set to start as a ninth grader at Benet Academy in Lisle in the fall, the family said.

"Sean was a gentle soul who was always both humble and kind. Full of joy, he was the most loving child and was a friend to everyone he met," they said. "We are forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support that has lifted us up during these trying days."

The family thanked those from the St. Isaac Jogues School and Parish, Benet Academy and Hinsdale, "as well as the many, many friends, family and strangers who have prayed for Sean and our family during this unimaginable time."

They also expressed their appreciation to the paramedics, doctors and staff at UChicago Medicine, AdventHealth Hinsdale and the pediatric intensive care unit at UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital.

On Monday afternoon, Richards was critically injured after a car struck him as he was walking outside Fontano's Subs in Hinsdale, police said. Three people inside the story were also injured, but authorities have not commented on their condition.

Patch reported on the crash Monday. Hinsdale police have said an accident reconstruction team is examining the crash. Police have said little since Monday.