Hit-and-run driver strikes Tom Cross parents after Pride Parade

Parents of former Illinois House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego, were struck by a hit-and-run driver after they marched in Sunday’s Pride Parade with their son, the Cross campaign confirmed.

The couple, of Naperville, were passengers in a cab on Clark Street heading back to their parked car near Wrightwood Avenue when the cab was struck head on by a hit-and-run driver, according to Cross campaign spokesman Kevin Artl.

Ruth Cross, 76, and Thomas Cross, were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released. Mrs. Cross, a retired school principal, suffered severe gashes in her head, which necessitated 10 staples, Artl said. Thomas Cross, 78, is a retired Methodist minister with whom his son consulted before voting in favor of same-sex marriage.

“It was a bad accident, but the Cross family is very grateful for the quick response from the Chicago Police and the great work from the staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital,” said Artl.

The incident happened one day after the funeral for the daughter of Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont. Lisa Radogno, 31, died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism, that was believed to be tied to a hit-and-run accident in which she was a victim a month earlier.

Tom Cross, who is running for Illinois Treasurer, was one of three House Republicans who voted in favor of the same-sex marriage bill last fall. He faces state Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Champaign, in the November election.