As the Rolling Meadows community mourns the deaths of a mother and five children whose van was struck head-on by a car traveling the wrong direction on I-90 in McHenry County early Sunday, Palatine Township Elementary District 15 is standing ready to assist those who are grieving.
State police said troopers responded at approximately 2:11 a.m. Sunday to the scene near Hampshire. They said a 2005 Chevrolet van and a 2010 Acura TSX were fully engulfed in flames.
Six passengers in the van were killed, including 31-year-old Lauren Dobosz of Rolling Meadows and five children — two 13-year-old girls, a 7-year-old boy, a 6-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl.
McHenry County Coroner Michael R. Rein on Monday was able to confirm that one of the children was not related to Lauren Dobosz.
The driver of the Acura, 22-year-old Jennifer Fernandez of Carpentersville, also perished.
The driver of the van, 32-year-old Thomas Dobosz of Rolling Meadows, was flown by helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood with serious injuries.
According to a preliminary investigation, the van was headed west on I-90 when the crash occurred.
State police said that “for unknown reasons” the Acura was traveling east in the westbound lanes and struck the front of the van. Both vehicles then burst into flames.
District 15 Superintendent Laurie Heinz addressed the school community Sunday and Monday with statements pledging the support of the district’s resources in the grieving process.
“District 15 is a family,” Heinz wrote. “Our schools play a central role not only in educating students, but supporting families and one another during times of need. The students were part of District 15 for many years and were well known to many staff at Willow Bend, Central Road, and Carl Sandburg Junior High. That is why we are providing a check-in service for parents, students, and/or staff who feel the need for some personal support during this very difficult time.”
In-person and virtual drop-in support is being made available through 4 p.m. Monday at Central Road, 3800 Central Road in Rolling Meadows. Support by trained District 15 mental health professionals is also being made available virtually or by phone through 4 p.m. by calling (847) 963-3212.
Appointments will be available from Tuesday through Thursday at Central Road in person, virtually, or by phone. These appointments can be made by going to go.oncehub.com/CCSD15Support or by calling (847) 963-3212.
Caregiver Support training also will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Central Road School for staff and parents. The training will be in person with a virtual attendance option also available at meet.google.com/onk-cxya-ksq. Children may attend with their parents.
To RSVP for the training, go to docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5CWUq4t1k38r6s0sJce1grmucMmaK6TILB7fPMcYjrsN5WQ/viewform.
“Please know that while we cannot disclose specific information, our District is here to support you during this difficult time,” Heinz added. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this unfathomable loss. We sincerely hope you reach out if you need anything. As a community, we will get through this by supporting one another and asking for help when we need it.
• Daily Herald staff writers Steve Zalusky and Alice Fabbre contributed to this report.