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August 1, 2022

Thomas Dobosz, 32, of Rolling Meadows was the sole survivor of a July 31 traffic accident that took the lives of his wife Lauren, 31, (Center) and their four children.
Photo provided.
Thomas Dobosz, 32, of Rolling Meadows was the sole survivor of a July 31 traffic accident that took the lives of his wife Lauren, 31, (Center) and their four children.

News • August 1, 2022

Autopsies scheduled for the seven lives lost in a fiery accident near McHenry County

By

MCHENRY COUNTY — On Sunday, July 31 at approximately 2:11 a.m., officers from the Illinois State Police (ISP) District 15 responded to the area of Interstate 90 (I-90) westbound near milepost 33.5 in McHenry County for a report of a two-vehicle accident that caused several casualties.

According to the ISP, 32-year-old Thomas Dobosz of Rolling Meadows was driving his blue 2005 Chevrolet Full-size van westbound on I-90 near milepost 33.5, when his vehicle was suddenly struck by a gray 2010 Acura TSX.

The preliminary investigation indicates that for unknown reasons, the driver of the Acura, 22-year-old Jennifer Fernandez of Carpentersville, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, which ultimately resulted in her vehicle striking the front of Dobosz’s van.

Following the accident, both vehicles became engulfed in flames.

Dobosz, the sole survivor of the accident, was traveling with his wife Lauren, 31, and five children, which included two 13-year-old girls, a 7-year-old boy, a 6-year-old boy, and a 5-year-old girl. Only four of the minors were the couple’s own children.

Dobosz sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to an area hospital, said the ISP. His wife, who was the passenger, and all five children traveling in the van, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Fernandez also lost her life as a result of the accident.

Additionally, the Hampshire Fire Protection District with assistance from fire departments from Marengo, Genoa, and Pingree Grove responded to the scene, as the ISP investigated the accident.

Traffic near the scene of the accident was diverted off at Anthony Road, with all lanes officially being reopened at 9:25 a.m. on July 31.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the McHenry County Coroner’s Office has announced that autopsies for the seven victims are scheduled to take place on Aug. 2, Aug. 4, and Aug. 5.

Friends and family of the Dobosz family plan to host a balloon release and prayer vigil on Aug. 1 to honor the victims.

“Ridgewood friends, Norridge friends, Oriole Park family & everyone in between—we are going to hold a balloon release and prayer tonight (Aug. 1) for Tom, Lauren, Emma, Lucas, Nicky, Ella & Kat at the Oriole Park field at 6 p.m. Anyone who knew Lauren and the kids knows this is our home away from home,” wrote family friend Ashley Siek on Facebook.