Family of 2-year-old boy killed in Oswego crash starts GoFundMe

The family of a 2-year-old boy who was killed on July 30 when a car crashed into a Portillo’s restaurant in Oswego has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for expenses.

“He was the light of our lives with his smile, laugh and all-around sunny demeanor,“ according to the fundraising page, started by Dominic Passero. “His favorite things were Spiderman, ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ and all things Disney. He loved to enjoy a cheeseburger outside after swimming class. He was an old soul who also loved John Denver. Most of all, he loved being a big brother.”

Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman shared the link to the GoFundMe page on his Facebook page.

“So many people have reached [out] to me asking how they can help the family after the tragic loss of their child,” Kauffman said. “Here is how you can help.”

All of the 13 victims, including the toddler, were in the restaurant at the time of the crash. Eight people, including the 50-year-old driver of the vehicle, were taken to area hospitals, according to the Oswego Police Department.

With the exception of the 2-year-old child, the individuals transported for injuries ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s.

The Kane County Coroner’s office is investigating the death of the toddler. Following the crash, the child was transported to Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, where he was pronounced dead.

Preliminary findings from an autopsy conducted on July 31 indicate that the cause of death is consistent with multiple traumatic injuries.

Five other people were treated at the scene and declined further medical treatment. The restaurant, located at 2810 U.S. Route 34 in Oswego, remains closed.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a car that struck our Oswego restaurant yesterday, and our thoughts are with those affected by this incident,” Portillo’s said in a statement Thursday. “As we continue to assess this unfolding situation, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our guests and team members.

“We are grateful to the emergency responders who arrived quickly on-site, and we are working closely with local authorities to aid their investigation. At this time, the Oswego Portillo’s restaurant will remain closed. We will defer all additional questions to local law enforcement.”

Kauffman said the village has begun reviewing its ordinances and safety protocols to identify what more can be done to help prevent such tragedies in the future.

“Oswego has required bollards for all commercial outdoor dining areas for decades, but we know that we must continue to evaluate and strengthen protections in public spaces,” he said. “We are also looking into how other communities have responded to similar incidents, and we are actively exploring additional safety measures. Nothing is off the table when it comes to protecting lives.”

Oswego police continue to investigate the crash. Currently, the police are considering the crash an accident.

“Our investigation is in its early stages, but preliminary information suggests that this was a tragic accident,” Oswego Police Chief Jason Bastin said during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. “However, we are thoroughly reviewing all available evidence, including witness statements and surveillance video, to determine exactly what occurred.”

About 1:55 p.m. Wednesday officers responded to the scene after a report of a car crashing through the front entrance of the Portillo’s, police said.

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Sedan was driven by a 50-year-old woman from Canton, Michigan, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, police said. It is not known if the driver was having a medical emergency at the time of the crash, Bastin said.

“My understanding is that the driver was speaking after the crash,” Bastin said. “As far as it being a medical emergency, we don’t have that information yet from the hospital.”

He said it was too early to determine whether the crash occurred because the driver had mistaken the gas pedal for the brake pedal.

“It’s too early in our investigation for me to speak about that,” Bastin said. “However, that of course is something that the driver will be spoken to about.”

Bastin expressed his condolences.

“We understand how difficult and emotional this incident is for everyone involved, including the families impacted by this tragedy, as well as our community, our officers and the fire department personnel who responded,” he said.

Support services are being made available to those who need them, Bastin said.

“We are coordinating closely with victim-assistance resources,” he said.