Visitation, Funeral Set for McHenry Teen Killed in Crash

MCHENRY, IL — A visitation and funeral has been set for the 16-year-old McHenry girl killed in a two-car crash in Wauconda last Friday. A visitation for Danielle Elizabeth Thomas will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry. Visitation will resume Friday at 8:45 a.m. through 9:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 3500 W. Washington Street, McHenry.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has raised over $23,000 in just two days hours for the local family of the teen killed Friday in the car crash. Kimberly Tomasella, creator of the GoFundMe page, says Danielle Elizabeth Thomas, 16, made a “lifelong impact on everyone she came in contact with during her 16 years, whether it was a simple smile or a heartfelt conversation.” The funds raised will go to the teen’s family.

“She left us all with a lasting impression of her beautiful soul,” according to the GoFundMe page. “We ask you to find it in your heart and donate to ease the financial burden no parent should ever have to endure. We appreciate prayers and all the efforts being sent to the family.”

Thomas was one of the drivers in a two-car crash that happened Friday night on Route 12 near Case Road in Wauconda. The collision occurred when a black Hyundai Elantra, driven by Caleb R. Rohrbach, 18, of Cary, was heading south on Route 12 and crossed the center line, colliding head on with a gray Ford Focus, which was driven by Thomas, according to police.

Rohrbach and three teens in the Ford were all taken to area hospitals following the crash.

Thomas was a cheerleader at McHenry High School West Campus and attended McHenry Elementary School District 15 elementary and middle schools. She was a member of the McHenry West Key Club, according to her obituary.

“Dani will be best remembered for being the kind of girl who let her beautiful smile light up the room, while her sparkling eyes conveyed a sweetness like no other,” according to the obit. “She loved her friends fiercely.”

“When you think of Dani celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest,” the obit reads.

Authorities said charges are pending in connection with the crash.

More via Danielle’s obituary and the GoFundMe page

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