Father Dies Days After I-90 Wrong-Way Crash, Bringing Death Toll To 8

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A man who initially survived a wrong-way crash that killed his wife and four children — along with a fifth child and the driver of the other vehicle — has died.

Thomas Dobosz, 32, of Rolling Meadows, was seriously injured following the collision early Sunday on Interstate 90 near Marengo and died at 11:17 a.m. at Loyola University Medical Center, according to a Cook County Medical Examiner's Office report. The crash happened at about 2:10 a.m. when a car traveling east in the westbound lanes of traffic hit the van Dobosz was driving.

Thomas Dobosz's wife, Lauren Dobosz, 31, and their children, Emma, Lucas, Nicholas and Ella, were killed in the crash, according to the GoFundMe. The crash also claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl, a family friend who was riding in the van at the time, relatives told ABC 7.

The driver of the car, who has been identified as Jennifer Fernandez, 22, of Carpentersville, died as well.

Thomas Dobosz was driving the blue 2005 full-sized Chevrolet van at the time of the collision, and both the Dobosz's van and Fernandez's grey 2010 Acura TSX were fully engulfed in flames when first responders arrived at the scene. All of the passengers in the van and Fernandez were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Illinois State Police.

Thomas Dobosz was airlifted to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to authorities.

Lauren Dobosz was a cheer coach for the Oriole Park Falcons, which is a cheer and football program based on the northwest side of Chicago.

"Lauren always made a great impression on everyone she met, she was full of life, laughter, and always a good time," according to the GoFundMe created by a member of the Oriole Park Falcons. "We're going to miss you, Lauren, and your spunky, sweet, sassy kids." As of Wednesday, more than $93,000 has been donated through the GoFundMe.

On Wednesday, an organizer for the GoFundMe page shared that Thomas Dobosz had also died.

"We come with a heavy heart today with an update on Tom. Tom has gained his angel wings and is now with his amazing wife Lauren and precious children. We ask that you keep this family in your prayers," according to the update on GoFundMe. Thomas Dobosz was also involved with the Oriole Park Falcons, according to ABC 7.

On Sunday evening, a balloon release and prayers were held in memory of Lauren and her children at Oriole Park, according to the Oriole Park Falcons Facebook page.

On Monday, the city of Rolling Meadows began accepting donations through its City of Rolling Meadows Hope Fund and all money will go directly to the Rolling Meadows families of the crash victims, according to a news release. As of Monday evening, the GoFundMe set up by the city has brought in more than $31,000.

"On behalf of the City of Rolling Meadows, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families of the victims of this tragedy," according to the news release.
Neighbors of the Dobosz family said they have lived for about 10 years at their home on Owl Drive in Rolling Meadows, according to NBC Chicago.

The couple cared for the children's elderly grandparents, who lived in the home as well, neighbors told NBC Chicago Sunday.

Authorities say it's unclear why the car was driving the wrong way on Interstate 90 at the time of the crash, authorities said. The collision happened at about 2:10 a.m. Sunday, and all westbound lanes of Interstate 90 near milepost 33 were closed until 9:30 a.m. Both the van and car were totally engulfed in flames when first responders arrived at the scene.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Autopsies are being conducted this week, according to the McHenry County Coroner's Office.

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