MARENGO, IL — A deep and somber silence hung over the baseball diamond on Wednesday evening as families of the McHenry Cobras Travel Baseball team gathered, not to cheer on their young athletes, but to remember and honor one of their own. Alan Kroll, an 11-year-old boy from Wonder Lake and a beloved member of the Cobras, tragically lost his life following a violent T-bone crash Monday night in unincorporated Marengo.
What should have been another summer evening filled with games, laughter, and competition turned into an unimaginable tragedy that has shaken not just a team, but an entire community.
The Crash
According to the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were called at approximately 6:41 p.m. to the intersection of Kishwaukee Valley Road and Deerpass Road following reports of a two-vehicle collision with severe damage and potential entrapments.
Multiple emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, including the Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts, Woodstock Fire/Rescue Districts, Mercyhealth MD-1, and the Huntley Fire Protection District. The crash involved a 2016 Ford Transit Van and a 2012 Audi Q5.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Ford Transit Van, driven by an 18-year-old man from Huntley, was traveling northbound on Deerpass Road, which is regulated by a stop sign at the intersection. For reasons still under investigation, the driver failed to yield at the stop sign and proceeded through the intersection.
At that moment, a 2012 Audi Q5, driven by a 29-year-old man from Wonder Lake, was heading eastbound on Kishwaukee Valley Road — which does not have a stop sign. The two vehicles collided violently in a T-bone impact, sending the Audi careening into a tree on the north side of the roadway.
A Life Cut Short
Inside that Audi was 11-year-old Alan Kroll, a bright, joyful child who had a passion for baseball, particularly with the McHenry Cobras. Alan, who was seated in the passenger seat, sustained critical injuries in the crash and was trapped within the wreckage. Firefighters on the scene worked urgently to extricate him from the vehicle.
A medical helicopter was dispatched due to the severity of Alan’s injuries. With the assistance of the MD-1 physician and the helicopter medical crew, he was transported by ambulance to Javon Bea Hospital – Riverside in Rockford. Despite the best efforts of emergency personnel and doctors, Alan tragically succumbed to his injuries.
A Community Mourns
News of Alan’s passing has devastated those who knew him — friends, teammates, coaches, and his extended community in Wonder Lake and beyond. He was described by those close to him as “always full of joy,” a boy who could lift the spirits of those around him with a simple smile or a kind word. On the baseball field, he brought energy and heart, and his love for the game was infectious.
On Wednesday night, the McHenry Cobras paused their game to hold a solemn tribute in Alan’s memory. Players from both teams and their families stood together in the outfield, holding a moment of silence. Many wore patches with Alan’s initials or had his number drawn on their caps. Tears flowed freely as the young players tried to comprehend the loss of their teammate, their friend.
Parents hugged their children a little tighter. Coaches offered words of comfort to players who had looked up to Alan, both on and off the field.
“Our hearts are shattered,” one of the coaches said. “Alan wasn’t just a player — he was family. His energy, his enthusiasm, his laughter… it’s impossible to imagine a game without him.”
Ongoing Investigation
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Toxicology reports, witness statements, and forensic assessments of the crash scene will all be part of the comprehensive review. At this time, no charges have been announced, and the identities of the drivers involved have not been released pending further investigation.
Authorities are urging all drivers — especially young ones — to be fully attentive when approaching intersections and to always obey traffic signs.
Remembering Alan
As tributes pour in, plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced soon by Alan’s family. A GoFundMe page has reportedly been launched to support the Kroll family during this period of unimaginable grief, helping with funeral expenses and any other needs as they navigate life without their beloved son.
Alan’s legacy — one of joy, passion, and kindness — will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and all who had the honor of knowing him. Though his time on Earth was brief, the impact he made in just 11 years is enduring.
Rest in peace, Alan Kroll. Your smile will never be forgotten, and the game will never be the same without you. ⚾💙
