Funeral Saturday For 'Loving Spirit' Who Died While Walking Dog

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL -- A 28-year-old man who was killed while out walking his dog last weekend is being remembered as an animal lover who was a "kind and loving spirit." Some even referred to Michael Buchholz as a "dog whisperer" because of his talent in caring for dogs, according to his obituary. Buchholz, of Carpentersville, was struck by the vehicle at about 11:50 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the intersection of Dundee Road and Potter Lane, authorities said.

Buchholz, whose funeral is set for this weekend, was a talented artist who loved music, photography and skateboarding. Buchholz, a lifelong resident of the Carpentersville, also loved to be outdoors and was an avid fisherman, according to his obituary.

A memorial funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Miller Funeral Home, 504 W. Main Street in West Dundee for Buchholz, who is a graduate of Barrington High School. A memorial visitation will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Buchholz was walking west on Dundee Road when a he was hit by the white 2009 Chevrolet Impala, which was also traveling west, according to the Daily Herald. He was taken to Sherman Hospital in Elgin where he was pronounced dead at 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, according to the coroner's office news release.

Buchholz died from multiple injuries consistent with an automobile striking him, according to preliminary autopsy results released by the Kane county Coroner's Office. Toxicology results are being sent to a forensic lab for review.

His dog was not injured in the crash, according to the Daily Herald.

Authorities said weather does not appear to be a factor in the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

More via Buchholz's obituary, the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BISCUITS & BOWS