A local car wash business in Hinsdale, Illinois, has declared bankruptcy, raising questions and concerns among the community. Fuller’s Car Wash filed for bankruptcy protection this week, a year and a half after a tragic accident involving one of its employees. The incident led to the death of a teenager and injuries to several others. The filing lists 20 creditors with debts totaling nearly $400,000. This move by Fuller’s has delayed ongoing legal proceedings, including depositions that were scheduled to take place. The family of the deceased teen expressed frustration over the delay, questioning the motives behind the bankruptcy filing.

The tragic event occurred on a summer day when Sean Patrick Richards, a 16-year-old, was struck by a vehicle operated by an employee of Fuller’s Car Wash. The car crossed the street and crashed into a nearby restaurant, injuring several patrons. Sean tragically succumbed to his injuries days later. Since then, the Richards family has been pursuing legal action against both the employee and the car wash owners. The bankruptcy filing has now postponed all related court activities, including scheduled depositions of key individuals involved in the case.

Brian Richards, the father of the deceased teenager, expressed disappointment over the bankruptcy filing. He and his wife had already undergone questioning under oath as part of the lawsuit but noted that the car wash owners have yet to do so. Brian questioned why the owners were reluctant to provide testimony. Additionally, he pointed out that Fuller’s has a history of similar incidents dating back to 2007, where another unlicensed employee caused a crash without facing significant consequences. The family believes that Fuller’s failed to implement adequate safety measures following these events.

The bankruptcy filing by Fuller’s Service Center, which operates the car wash, has also raised concerns about the future of the business. While the filing specifically mentions the Hinsdale location, it remains unclear whether other locations will be affected. Community members, including the Richards family, have advocated for stronger safety barriers at the site to prevent future accidents. During village board meetings, discussions around the safety of Fuller’s have been frequent, with some suggesting the possibility of closing the car wash if the litigation were to end.

Brian Richards emphasized that while the bankruptcy filing may delay the legal process, it does not change the family’s resolve to seek justice. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability. The community continues to support the family as they navigate through this difficult period, hoping for a resolution that brings closure and prevents similar tragedies in the future.