Obituary: Hunter Himes, 15

Hunter Anthony Himes, 15, of unincorporated Downers Grove, died Sunday from injuries sustained during a bicycle accident in February 2012.

Hunter, who would have been a freshman at Downers Grove South this year, was left in a persistent vegetative state from brain injuries suffered after he was struck by a car while riding his bike home from a friend's house in Darien. His parents, Mark and Terra Ihde, put him on hospice in November after learning he would not recover.

He died Sunday morning in his home. He is survived by his parents and two younger sisters, Chase and Calyn, along with numerous family members and friends.

Hunter's father, Mark Ihde posted the following message to Facebook on Sunday:

"I'd like to thank each and every one of you that stood by our sides through this tragedy. Your kind words, your generosity, your prayers, your actions, your new found love for anything this may have drawn you closer to. Hunter was such a great boy and we struggle to find answers to why this happened. Know that he loves you all. Know that we love and appreciate you all. Thanks so much and God Bless you."

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave. in Darien. Because of parking constraints, a continuous shuttle bus will run from Lakeview Junior High School, 701 Plainfield Road in Downers Grove, to Modell from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave. in Darien. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

Hope for Hunter

Charter One Bank

Account No. 4514184488

Hunter loved playing guitar and proudly owned the same electric model as Angus Young of his favorite band, AC/DC. He was also a talented athlete who started playing football with the Downers Grove Panthers at age 9. 

The Panthers are asking that members of the organization wear jerseys or spirt wear Tuesday in memory of Hunter.

For more on Hunter's life, read

Related stories:

• Family of Injured Downers Grove Boy Petitions Governor for Stiffer Distracted Driving Penalties
• Mom of Injured Boy Urges Vigilance Behind the Wheel
• Hunter’s Hope: Ways You Can Support Injured Boy’s Recovery
• Community Unites in Hope for Lakeview Student Struck by Car
• Hundreds Attend Vigil For Boy Hit By Car in Weekend Accident

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