20 years after E2 tragedy, loved ones say they'll protest if another entertainment venue opens in space
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Friday marked 20 years since 21 people died in the E2 nightclub stampede in the South Loop.
The building that once housed E2 at 2347 S. Michigan Ave. still stands – and a small memorial has been set up there.
As CBS 2's Sara Machi reported, the pain is still just as fresh as the day it happened for those who had loved ones die in the tragedy.
In front of the former Epitome/E2 building on South Michigan Avenue's Motor Row, a vigil was held with balloons, candles, and photos blown up on large canvases and worn over loved ones' hearts.
On Feb. 17, 2003, a security guard sprayed pepper spray to break up a fight – causing a panic in the crowded club. The crowd rushed to the front exit, but because the doors opened inwards, patrons couldn't get out because of the weight of the crowd pressing out against the doors.
It took 40 minutes for first responders to help the trampled and asphyxiated. By then, it was too late. Twenty-one people died and dozens more were injured.
At the time, the club was far over capacity at the time and had been ignoring a judge's order to close its second floor because of a building code violation.
The building at 2347 S. Michigan Ave. now has a "for lease" sign in the window. But loved ones promise to protest if any businesses ever try to move into the space and open another entertainment venue.
They say there should be no laughter at a site of so much heartbreak.
"With her life being taken away from her too soon, it tore me apart," said Mary Carwell, whose daughter, Demetrica, was killed in the stampede, "and it still tears me apart to this day."
"Mama, I can't believe you left," said Shapara Hicks, who was only 6 when her mother, LaToya McGraw, was killed. "But I promise you, ain't nobody going to forget. I love you. I love you."
Eight months after the tragedy, a unanimous City Council vote approved a package of code changes that tighten up occupancy rules, triggered better signage on how to exit safely, and bumped up the frequency of inspections.
In 2009, club owner Dwain Kyles and his "silent partner," Calvin Hollins, were convicted of violating a Housing Court judge's order to close the second floor of the club over building code violations before the deadly stampede. They were sentenced to two years in prison, but those convictions and sentences were thrown out on appeal.
In 2007, Hollins was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter charges in Cook County Criminal Court. The next year, prosecutors dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against Kyles.
Hicks told CBS 2's Chris Tye this week that she hopes to connect with other relatives of the victims of the E2 nightclub tragedy to help continue to heal together.