El Dorado Hills Man, ORHS Grad Killed In Thanksgiving Day Crash

A young man, from the El Dorado Hills community was killed in a tragic car accident not far from his home Thanksgiving Day morning. Julian Shaun O’Donoghue, 20, reportedly died at the scene of a head-on collision on Grant Line Road, south of Chrysanthy Boulevard in Rancho Cordova.

According to traffic reports, the collision involved a passenger car and a utility van and occurred in the early morning hours around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday. Initial reports indicate that the accident was a head on collision. The investigation into the crash and the moments leading up to it remains ongoing. Two other individuals involved in the crash were transported to a hospital with serious injuries, according to authorities.

“Julian’s warmth and energy were contagious. He was the kind of person who could turn a bad day around with just his smile. Let’s come together to honor his memory and support his family in the way we know he would’ve wanted—with love, kindness, and generosity,” reads a statement from the GoFundMe set up for O’Donoghue’s family by friend Amy Remly.

A 2022 Oak Ridge High School graduate, O’Donoghue was well known in the El Dorado Hills community where he grew up. The fundraising page sheds light on the special young man he was to those who knew him.

“He brought joy, laughter, and love wherever he went,” it reads. “Julian’s warmth and energy were contagious. He was the kind of person who could turn a bad day around with just his smile. Let’s come together to honor his memory and support his family in the way we know he would’ve wanted—with love, kindness, and generosity. As his family navigates this difficult time, we hope to rally together as a community to help ease the financial burden of unexpected costs and allow them to focus on celebrating Julian’s beautiful life.”

At this time, the family has not announced memorial plans for Julian but plans to do so in the near future. Those wishing to contribute to the family’s GoFundMe, learn more about him, or leave a message can visit the GoFundMe page here.