Family of Lake Villa crash victim starts online fundraiser

The family of Brandon Holmgren, the 23-year-old Lake Villa man who died in a single-car crash Sunday night, has started an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses.

Larry Holmgren, Brandon's older brother, said Brandon was driving home after a long shift at work when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed just around a mile from his home.

"Brandon was a loyal friend, brother and worker who would put anything on the line for someone he loved or cared about," Larry Holmgren said. "He has even been known to take care of others in their time of need before taking care of himself."

Larry Holmgren said the family hopes to raise $13,000 by Monday to help pay for the casket, services and memorial prayer cards. By Friday afternoon, the drive - hosted on gofundme.com - had raised $8,325.

Lake Villa police Lt. James DeCaro said the investigation into the crash is ongoing. DeCaro said investigators believe Brandon Holmgren was driving his white 2007 VW hatchback north on Round 83 just after 10 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, the car crossed into oncoming traffic, left the roadway and struck two utility poles on the west side of the road.

The Lake County coroner's office performed an autopsy and determined Holmgren died from blunt-force injuries sustained in the crash.