Tragedy struck Illinois as the father who lost his wife, four children, and a young family friend in a devastating head-on collision on the highway also passed away, marking the eighth casualty in the horrific weekend incident.
Thomas Dobosz, aged 32, was initially rushed to a hospital in critical condition following the collision between his Chevrolet van and an Acura TSX that was traveling in the wrong direction on Interstate 90 around 2 a.m. on Sunday. The Illinois State Police reported the details of the incident.
Both vehicles were tragically consumed by flames, resulting in the loss of Jennifer Fernandez, aged 22, as well as the wife of Dobosz, their four children, and a 13-year-old family friend who was accompanying them.
In a devastating update on Wednesday, the police confirmed that the father, Thomas Dobosz, was subsequently pronounced deceased, signifying that all individuals involved in the incident had tragically passed away.
A heartbroken online campaign, which had already raised over $100,000 by Thursday, shared the news with deep sadness. The campaign expressed that Tom has earned his angel wings and is now reunited with his incredible wife, Lauren, and their adorable children. It urged the public to keep this grieving family in their prayers.
At the time of the collision, Fernandez was the sole occupant of the Acura vehicle. Detectives are currently conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The reason behind the Acura TSX traveling in the opposite direction remains unclear at this point.
Based on the investigation’s findings, all eight individuals involved in the accident, including Jennifer Fernandez and the seven passengers traveling in Dobosz’s van, were pronounced deceased at the crash site.
The official identification of the victims was made known through a fundraising campaign, which shared the heartbreaking news of Thomas Dobosz’s 31-year-old wife, Lauren Dobosz, along with their children: Ella (5 years old), Nicholas (7 years old), Lucas (8 years old), and Emma (13 years old). Tragically, the incident also claimed the life of Katriona Koziara, a 13-year-old dear friend of Emma. The Dobosz family, residing in the suburbs of Chicago, had embarked on a holiday journey to Minnesota before the accident occurred in the rural area of Riley.
A distinct fundraiser dedicated to honoring Katriona highlighted her vibrant essence, emphasizing her enchanting smile and optimistic demeanor that embodied her youthful spirit.