February 17th marks the 22nd anniversary of the tragic stampede at Chicago’s E2 nightclub, which resulted in the loss of 21 lives and many injuries. Some relatives of the victims are working to preserve their memories.
On Monday, Angelo Patterson placed flowers in honor of his mother, Nicole Patterson, who lost her life when he was just three years old. At the age of 25, she was part of the crowd at E2 nightclub 22 years ago and became one of the 21 individuals who died while attempting to flee down a narrow staircase with approximately 1,000 others.
Activist Dawn Valenti visits the site every year during this time. Some years, several victims’ families accompany her, but this year, only one person joined her in the frigid temperatures: her close friend, who lost her son, Michael Wilson, in the tragedy. Valenti is committed to attending annually for as long as she is physically able.
In the months preceding the stampede, the nightclub’s owners, Calvin Hollins and Dwain Kyles, received a court order to shut down the second floor of the establishment. After the fatalities, they were found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter but were held in criminal contempt for violating the court order. The building remained closed until it was demolished last year.
The current owner of the site has announced plans to construct a high-rise apartment building for seniors. Family members and friends of the victims report that he has also pledged to include a memorial for the E2 tragedy.
