Crowdfunding efforts started for the 13-year-old friend of the Dobosz family’s eldest daughter who lost her life

MCHENRY COUNTY—As news about the tragedy that took the lives of the entire Dobosz family continues to spread, community members have also started their efforts to support the family of 13-year-old Katriona “Kat” Koziara, who also lost her life on July 31 and was the friend of the Dobosz family’s eldest daughter, 13-year-old Emma.

Photo courtesy Ron McKinney

Fundraising efforts have begun for Katriona (Kat) Koziara, 13, who also lost her life in the July 31 accident on I-90 that took the lives of the Dobosz family.

According to friends and family, Koziara and the Dobosz family, which included 32-year-old Thomas, his wife, 31-year-old Lauren, and their four children—Emma, 8-year-old Lucas, 7-year-old Nicky, and 5-year-old Ella, were all on their way to vacation at their family cabin in Minnesota, when their Full-Size van was hit by a gray 2010 Acura TSX that was traveling in the wrong direction.

Responding authorities pronounced Lauren and all five of the children traveling in the van, dead at the scene. The driver of the Acura, 22-year-old Jennifer Fernandez of Carpentersville, also lost her life as a result of the accident.

Thomas Dobosz was, at the time, the sole survivor of the accident, although he did sustain severe injuries and had to be airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. He eventually succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 3.

In a fundraiser started for Koziara, she was described as a “fun-loving, athletic, young girl that enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and had an undeniable passion and talent for break dancing.”

The Breaking Program, which is the organization where Koziara took break dancing classes, also honored their student who lost her life far too soon.

“There are no words to express the pain we all feel right now with this tragic news. We loved Kat, and from the moment we met her years ago she has been one of our greatest assets to our program. She has helped us with everything! From being a student teacher, to fully leading classes, mentoring students, workshops, performances, anything, and everything,” wrote representatives of The Breaking Program on their Facebook page.

Brian Kent, the individual who started the online fundraiser for Koziara, stated that she is survived by her mother and father and that any donations made will be given to Koziara’s mother to help cover the cost of memorial services and bills/living expenses as a result of her parents’ missed time at work.

As of Aug. 4, the fundraiser for Koziara has raised over $6,000 and has yet to reach its goal of raising $10,000.

“The amount of passion and love [Kat] had for not only helping others but helping me will never be forgotten. Her legacy will live on, through our work we will continue to strive for greatness in her name,” stated a representative from The Breaking Program. “Rest in peace. You were a leader and a friend. A brave and kind person. A true inspiration to not only our students but to all of our instructors and especially me. I will always remember you.”

Individuals interested in donating to the fundraiser in support of Koziara and her family may do so by clicking on this link.