A day after the tragedy, candles and stuffed toys lined the base of a tree outside the Rolling Meadows home where the family lived. “It’s a light, a candle and we hope to heaven they see it,” said neighbor Jean Petryniec. Lauren Dobosz and her four children — Emma, 13, Lucas, 7, Nicholas, 6, and Ella, 5 — died when a wrong-way driver hit their truck on Interstate 90 just west of the interchange Illinois Route 23 near Hampshire approx. 2:11 am Both vehicles burst into flames on impact. Another 13-year-old who was in the van, as well as the driver of the car, died at the scene. The driver was identified as Jennifer Fernandez, 22, of Carpentersville, according to Illinois State Police. Thomas Dobosz, 32, who was driving the van, was seriously injured and airlifted to an area hospital. Neighbors say the family was on vacation when the tragedy happened. Lauren worked as a bartender at Lulus, a gambling establishment not far from her home in Rolling Meadows. The foundation’s chief executive described the mother-of-four as a “very friendly” and “outgoing” person – someone she befriended instantly. “I was shocked,” Kenny Felten said, recounting his reaction to learning Lauren and her children died in the crash. “I was shaking, I couldn’t believe it. You never think that someone you know is going to be a part of something so tragic. Here we are.” While well liked by her colleagues, Lauren was passionate and spent much of her free time as a cheerleading coach for the Oriole Park Falcons. “She talked about it a lot, it was a big passion of hers,” Felten said. “We have to remember her for that. It’s hard right now with everything that’s happened. Not to think about that, but we have to remember that she loved her kids, her family, being part of their family, raising money for fundraiser and stuff like that. Dawn Brand, whose daughter went to school with the two 13-year-old girls, said “everyone is having a really hard time”, adding that “the children are all devastated”. “I know they were very involved throughout the community,” he said. “Everyone said they were a very loving family and involved in sports and stuff. Everyone is taking it very badly.” Lauren’s cheerleading squad set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses, remembering the mother as “full of life and laughter” and her children as “hilarious, sweet and sassy.” “Lauren always made a great impression on everyone she met, she was full of life, laughter and always well,” the group’s post read. “We will miss you Lauren and your wonderful, sweet, sassy children and ever so dear friend. We will shine bright this year. We will miss you!” Illinois State Police investigators are working to determine why the driver, Fernandez, was going the wrong way. Autopsies are expected to be performed in the coming days. Community Unified School District 15, which the children attended, said in a news release: “We are just saddened and in shock and mourning at the tragic loss of five students and one parent.” Mental health professionals will be on hand throughout the week to provide assistance to anyone dealing with the loss, according to district officials. A caregiver support training will also be held Aug. 2 to provide parents and staff with information and support on how to help children “at this difficult time,” according to the district.
