The family of a 23-year-old man killed while driving home from work in Lake Villa is being remembered by his family, who is raising money for funeral expenses.
The Lake Villa Police Department and Lake Villa Fire Protection District responded around 10:01 p.m. Sunday to the 37000 block of North Route 83 in Lake Villa for a call of a crash with unknown injuries.
Lake Villa Police Department Lt. James DeCaro said emergency crews located a single-vehicle crash with heavy damage near Route 83 and Hampton Drive.
The vehicle involved was identified as a white 2007 Volkswagen hatchback.
A preliminary investigation showed the vehicle, driven by Brandon Holmgren, 23, of Lake Villa, was traveling northbound on Route 83.
For unknown reasons, the vehicle left the lane of travel to the right and drove onto the gravel shoulder before crossing into the oncoming lane of traffic, DeCaro said.
The vehicle left the roadway, struck two utility poles on the west side of the road, and then came to a rest in a wooded area.
Holmgren was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene, DeCaro said. No other cars were believed to be involved.
Larry Holmgren, Brandon’s older brother, organized a GoFundMe for the funeral.
Larry said his brother crashed after losing control of his vehicle about a mile away from his home.
He was coming home after a long shift at work.
He said his brother had a “vibrant and unique personality that many cared for deeply and nobody could ever try to mimic successfully.”
Brandon always looked to help others, working on cars in his free time, Larry said.
“Though he had thick skin, he had a heart of gold that so many admired.”
Larry described his brother’s strong work ethic to earn a living.
“Many of his employers would comment on how more employees like Brandon were needed in the workplace as his smile would light up a room and his work ethic was unmatched,” he said.
Larry is asking for the community’s help in raising $13,000 to help with funeral costs and memorial prayer cards. They hope to reach their goal by Monday.
Over $8,000 was raised as of Friday evening.
“Brandon was a major reason why I wanted to be the best brother and man I could possibly be,” Larry said. “He will be missed.”