Grand Chute, Wisconsin — A visit with his grandparents turned into an unimaginable tragedy for an 18-year-old Florida teenager after a passenger van crashed into a tire store, killing him just weeks before he was set to begin his senior year of high school.
According to the Grand Chute Police Department, the fatal crash occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on June 29 at a Matthews Tire location in the Town of Grand Chute.
Authorities said the driver was attempting to park a passenger van when the vehicle unexpectedly drove into the building, striking several people who were inside.
Teen Fatally Injured Inside Tire Store
Among those struck was Cayden Christiano of Parrish, Florida, who had been visiting his grandparents in Wisconsin.
Emergency responders rushed Cayden to a nearby hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Police also confirmed that two other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Investigators have not released additional details about what caused the vehicle to crash into the building, and the incident remains under investigation.
Father Learned of Son’s Death While at Work
Hundreds of miles away in Florida, Cayden’s father, Tommy Dileo, said he received the devastating news while working.
He recalled getting a phone call informing him that his son had been involved in the tragic accident.
“I was actually down at the UTC picking up a client. And that’s when I got a call from Scott. And he told me about the accident at the tire shop. And he didn’t make it,” Dileo said.
As he continues grieving, Dileo said he has been remembering the joyful personality that made Cayden so special to everyone who knew him.
“He was just one of those kids, man. I mean, you couldn’t get enough of him,” Dileo said.
Family Launches Fundraiser Following Tragic Loss
A GoFundMe campaign created to support the family describes Cayden’s death as a heartbreaking tragedy that has left loved ones devastated.
The fundraiser explains that Dileo, a single father, is now facing the unexpected expenses of bringing his son’s body back to Florida, along with funeral and burial costs.
“Our family is facing a heart breaking tragedy that no father should ever have to endure,” the fundraiser states. “Yesterday, Cayden tragically lost his life while visiting his grandparents in Wisconsin when a vehicle crashed into the building where he was.”
Organizers said donations will help ease the financial burden, allowing the family to focus on mourning their loss rather than worrying about transportation and funeral expenses.
Community Mourns Teen Remembered for His Kind Spirit
According to the fundraiser, Cayden was preparing to enter his senior year of high school before his life was cut tragically short.
He is survived by his father, Tom Dileo, his sister Kylee Dileo, and his brothers Zachary and Gage.
As family and friends continue to grieve, many have shared messages of support while remembering Cayden for the joy and positivity he brought into the lives of those around him.
Meanwhile, authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash that claimed the young teen’s life.
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