* I talked to Rep. Tom Cross about this last night. He said his parents were shaken up a bit, his mom was still sore, but they were going to be OK. Greg Hinz has the story…
Both Ruth Cross, 76, and the Rev. Thomas Cross, 78, marched with their son in yesterday’s big gay pride parade before grabbing a quick lunch. The candidate and his parents then got into separate cabs to go back to their cars; they live in the western suburbs.
Mr. Cross made it home OK. But his parents’ cab was struck head on by a hit-and-run driver on North Clark Street and Wrightwood Avenue, sending both to the hospital.
Ruth Cross received 10 staples for a severe cut on her forehead but is otherwise OK, according to Cross spokesman Kevin Artl. She may have survived because “she saw the other car coming and had a moment to prepare,” he said.
Mr. Cross’ father “was pretty shaken up,” Mr. Artl said, but like his wife was released after treatment at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Cross said his parents enjoyed the parade. Cross voted for the gay marriage bill. He was one of a handful of Republican to march in the parade. I’m told by others he was given a pretty positive reception.
- Sbarro McArby's - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 3:41 pm:
JBT & Cross, both pro-gay marriage Republicans will both win pretty easily in November (To pink a by double digits).
Who told Rauner that his contrived knot-twisting position was somehow better than just saying he supported gay marriage?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 3:43 pm:
===To pink a by double digits====
Posting from a mobile phone, are we?
lol
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 3:46 pm:
I’m sorry to learn of the injuries. I hope they recover quickly. Kudos to them to come out and support gay pride.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 3:52 pm:
Not an ounce of snark.
I was relieved to hear Cross’ parents are ok. I hope they get better soon.
Cross and Topinka are helping My Party. I can’t thank them enough for showing voters that diverse opinions are found in the ILGOP.
- wordslinger - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 3:58 pm:
Those are my kind of old-timers.
Geez, do I miss mine. Every day.
God bless you, folks. I’m sure your son is proud as can be.
- Nonplussed - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:07 pm:
The cab driver was the victim? Hit and run?
First, you can’t build up enough speed on either Wrightwood or Clark to cause a serious accident. Second, traffic is so bad, especially on Pride weekend, there is not way this was a hit and run.
This story sounds like complete BS.
- hisgirlfriday - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:14 pm:
@Nonplussed - Not sure what you are trying to insinuate with your conspiracy theory but I doubt making this insinuation is helpful to any candidate or cause you support.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Cross family and God bless Rev. Cross from a fellow Methodist.
- wordslinger - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:20 pm:
Nonplussed, what is your problem, dude? What’s with the crazy-mouth?
- Nonplussed - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:20 pm:
@hisgirlfriday - all I am saying is the story written above does not make sense. Accidents like that don’t happen in areas with perpetual gridlock.
And I don’t post here to be helpful to candidates or causes (luckily).
- ??? - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:20 pm:
Tom Cross did get a pretty positive reception from the crowd near where I was standing at the parade. Surprisingly (at least to me), Judy Baar Topinka had a pretty small contingent and there wasn’t much reaction to her at all from the folks near me. I thought she would have gotten a more enthusiastic reception.
Glad Cross’ parents will be okay.
- Amalia - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:21 pm:
speedy recovery!!!
- A guy... - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 4:57 pm:
Hope they’re OK.
- The Prince - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 5:52 pm:
Why would anyone make up a story like that?
- Rich Miller - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 6:43 pm:
Nonplussed, remove your goofy tinfoil hat. Seriously.
Or leave. Your choice.
- Archiesmom - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 8:19 pm:
Glad they’re okay. Thanks to the whole family for coming out for the parade.
- modest proposal - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 9:24 pm:
nonplussed - wow thats quite the theory….
- Way Northsider - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 9:39 pm:
I hope they recover quickly and have good memories of being at the parade in spite of the accident. It is great to hear of people who will support positions publicly that are not the “party line”. Way to go!
- paul hansen - Monday, Jun 30, 14 @ 9:57 pm:
God help all of us in the 44th ward.