Cross memorializing Schaumburg teen missing

The cross stood untouched at the bustling Wood Dale intersection for years as a reminder of a young life lost.

Aric Wooley was about to start college when the 17-year-old Schaumburg Eagle Scout was killed in a June 16, 2000, crash with a trucker who was under the influence of drugs.

The makeshift memorial brought solace and a sense of purpose to the teen's family and friends who distribute public safety fliers to motorists at the site and leave behind balloons, flowers and other personal mementos.

But after more than eight years, the 4-foot wooden cross has mysteriously disappeared from the corner of Thorndale Avenue and Wood Dale Road.

"I just want it back," said Aric's younger brother, Nick Wooley. "It has a lot of sentimental value and we'd like to keep it in the family."

They erected Aric's cross within days of his death and visit it on birthdays, holidays and other occasions to feel near him again.

In fact, Jerry Wooley would wave and say, "I love you" while passing his son's memorial each day between home and work. After he retired, he gave his business to his other son, Nick, now 23 of Elgin, who takes the same route.

It was Nick Wooley who noticed the cross had vanished.

Wood Dale police and the DuPage County Highway Department investigated. Neither removed it, according to officials with both departments.

"We really feel for the family," Wood Dale Police Chief Frank Biniewicz said. "We know the circumstances of how Aric died and we choose to respect their wishes and not touch it."

The most likely explanation is it accidentally was knocked down by a county snowplow. But Nick Wooley said he returned after the snow melted and still can't find the cross or any remnants.

Despite the passage of time, family members said it still feels just like yesterday that they lost Aric.

Aric made Eagle Scout at 12 after earning 100 merit badges in two years. He was a state swimming champion at 14. One week before his death, he graduated from Conant High School in Hoffman Estates and was looking forward to starting college at Southern Illinois University on a full swimming scholarship.

Aric wanted to be a teacher and coach.

Instead, he was killed when his Camaro was struck broadside in a crash his father happened to witness. The other motorist, a trucker who was under the influence of marijuana, is serving a 14-year prison term.

Aric's family, especially his stepmother, Charlie, is involved with the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. Nick Wooley passes out fliers each anniversary to raise awareness in honor of his hero.

The family plans to get an official Illinois Department of Transportation roadside sign bearing Aric's name. But, if the original cross is not found, Nick Wooley said he will install another.

"A cross is going to be up there until I die," he said. "A cross has more meaning."

The original cross had handwritten messages, Boy Scout pins and other mementos. If anyone finds the cross, it may be turned in at the Wood Dale Police Department or at the intersection's Mobil service station.