GoFundMe: Father, Son, Both Ironworkers Local 444, Killed In Crash

BRAIDWOOD, IL — Just days after Andrew Adams and his father Andy Adams were killed in a fiery head-on wreck along Route 113 in Custer Park, friends and supporters are trying to raise several thousand dollars to help their family in mourning.

Both crash victims were members of the Joliet-based Ironworkers Local 444.

The driver of a pickup truck, Andy Adams, 47, died at the scene and his 30-year-old son, Andrew, died several hours later at a Kankakee hospital, according to the Illinois State Police.

The father and son were in Andy Adams' 1999 silver Chevrolet S10 driving on Route 113 at 5:10 a.m. Tuesday when a 21-year-old motorist, also from Kankakee, entered their northbound lane, crashing into their truck, causing both vehicles to erupt in flames, near Braidwood.

The driver of the blue 2020 Toyota Camry was also hospitalized, and his injuries were not life-threatening, Illinois State Police said this week.

Two separate GoFundMe accounts have been established, one is called, "Support for Rachel and Baby Adams."

In less than two days, it has already surpassed its goal of raising $10,000. As of 11 a.m. Saturday, the Support for Rachel and Baby Adams had 265 donations totaling $14,215.

"Rachel lost her husband Andrew Adams, unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 7th, in a car accident," the GoFundMe announced. "Rachel and Andy are newlyweds and Rachel is 28 weeks pregnant with their first child. We are starting this GoFundMe to try and help give Rachel support for not only herself but also their unborn child."

To make a donation or share the announcement on Facebook, visit the GoFundMe to help Rachel Adams.

The second GoFundMe, to benefit the widow of Andy Adams, is titled, "Rallying Around Jenn." With 115 donations totaling $8,810 roughly 24 hours, it's well on its way of reaching the set goal of $10,000.

"Jennifer lost both her husband and son Tuesday, March 7th, unexpectedly in a car accident. Andy Adams was the love of Jenn’s life and she was the love of his. You wouldn’t find one without the other," family organizers of the GoFundMe announced.

Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes, which has locations in Kankakee, St. Anne, Manteno and Bourbonnais, is handling both funeral arrangements. Andy Adams died three months before his 48th birthday. He and Jennifer Gadbois were married August 8, 1998, in Kankakee.

"He was an ironworker with union local 444. Andrew loved music, sports, bonfires, and cookouts. He enjoyed being outdoors. Most of all, he loved his grandson and was looking forward to the one on his way," his obituary noted.

Andrew Adams was killed one day after 30th birthday. He, too, was an Ironworker Local 444 member.

"He enjoyed golfing, playing Xbox, his dogs, the outdoors, and guns. Andrew loved to listen to music and looked forward to seeing his unborn son," his obituary noted.

The funeral arrangements are taking place in Kankakee.

For more information on the visitations and funeral services for Andy and Andrew Adams, visit the website for Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes.