Politics & Government
'Terrible Tragedy' Prompted Hinsdale Car Wash's Request
"No one is going to die the way Sean did," the company's leader said.
HINSDALE, IL – The "terrible tragedy" of a 14-year-old's death prompted Fuller's Car Wash's request for a wall on its property, its lawyer said Wednesday.
The business installed bollards in its parking lot shortly after the July 17 crash that killed Sean Patrick Richards of Hinsdale and injured three others. It did so without village approval.
"This is basically in response to a terrible tragedy," attorney Joel Groenewold told the Hinsdale Plan Commission. "It is obviously a difficult situation and a heartbreaking situation."
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The car wash is requesting a wall incorporating the bollards, which Groenewold called "unsightly."
Doug Fuller, president of the business, said the car wash has seen two other incidents that were close calls in its 78-year history.
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"We just worked as a group to make it safer and safer and safer," Fuller said. "After this accident, I couldn't sleep. No one is going to die the way Sean did. No one is going to die that way. That poor family has to live with this for the rest of their lives."
He added, "Three times in the 78 years. This is a freak of nature. It's never going to happen on my watch."
Fuller said he was sorry for putting up the bollards without getting the village's approval.
He said he is friends with Robb McGinnis, the village's community development director.
"But I was disrespectful to him. It was an emotional time," Fuller said.
Groenewold confirmed his client received a couple of citations because of the bollards and that he was defending the business on that issue.
In its written request for the wall, the car wash did not mention the crash.
The Plan Commission approved the car wash's request.
On the afternoon of July 17, a 16-year-old employee of Fuller's crashed a car into Fontano's Subs, 9 S. Lincoln St., which is across the street.
The car struck Richards, who was walking on the sidewalk. He died three days later.
Police have given few details of the crash. This week, Richards' father provided more information to Patch.
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