CHICAGO (Dec. 5, 2004) - Tragedy struck the 27th running of the TFT parade when a 55-year-old DuPage Co., Ill., sheriff's deputy was hit and killed by a car while he was participating in the charitable event.
The victim was Frank J. Griseto of Downers Grove, Ill.
Griseto reportedly was struck when a car turned into the path of the parade during a momentary break in the flow of motorcycles. The collision happened at Western Ave. and Cornelia. During the parade, Chicago police shut down Western to all traffic except for motorcyclists running the event and TFT staff vehicles.
The driver of the car was seriously injured in the collision. The driver was not immediately cited for the accident.
The accident cast a shadow of gloom on the TFT parade, in which Griseto had joined 40,000 other motorcyclists to donate toys to needy kids.
