Waukesha Strong: A community after a tragedy
On Sunday, Nov. 21, Waukesha, WI was impacted by a devastating and tragic incident. Unknown to many, Waukesha is located about 25 minutes west of Milwaukee. At 4:39 p.m., at roughly 40 mph, a red SUV drove through the barricades and ran into unsuspecting parade members. Law enforcement, EMTs, friends, families and strangers ran to the aid of those injured on the scene. As screams could be heard, many thought it was Santa finally making his way down the parade route, heartbreakingly, it was a man with every intent to hit those in his way.
I have lived in Waukesha, WI for my entire life. Never in a million years would I have thought something so catastrophically devastating would take place just minutes away from my house, on the same street I have walked thousands of times before. I can still hear my cousin, who witnessed it firsthand, screaming into the phone that he had seen a car so senselessly run over young children, and adults so carelessly. Many were traumatized, as the suspect sped through the parade and directly hit three prominent parade groups -. The Waukesha South Marching band, The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and the Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 23, 48 people had been injured and six people had lost their lives. Tamara Durand, 52, Wilhelm Hospel, 81, Jane Kulich, 52, LeAnna Owen, 71, Virginia Sorenson, 79, and Jackson Sparks, 8, are among those who diedlost their lives. Those in need of medical attention were sent to six surrounding hospitals. Waukesha Children’s hospital had 18 children admitted on Sunday night, their conditions remain unknown as of press time. Information has not been released from any of the other hospitals at this time. Many are hospitalizedin the hospital for fractured skulls and broken bones and will be tested for brain function in the following days.
Trending immediately on social media, the phrase “Waukesha Strong” became a new motto for many. Waukesha law enforcement was assisted by New Berlin, Brookfield, ATF and the FBI during antheir investigation that. It remains ongoing at this time. Police arrested Darrell Brooks, and he was set to appear in court at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23. He is currently being charged with six counts of first-degree intentional homicide. He allegedly fled from a dispute before the Waukesha Parade. There was no police chase at that time, and as Brooks drove through the barricade onto the parade route, a law enforcement officer discharged his weapon in an attempt to stop Brooks. No bystanders were injured by the discharge.
What happened in Waukesha, Wisconsin will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with those who lost their lives and their families as they begin the healing process. The community of Waukesha will continue forward to provide the best support possible for anyone injured, or who witnessed such a tragic and heartbreaking event. We are Waukesha Strong.
If you are interested in helping those who were impacted by this horrible event MANY gofundme accounts are providing relief to victims and their families. Or below, there is a link to the “Waukesha United Way” fund which will also be providing relief to those who were impacted. This incident in Waukesha also remindsed us all that blood donations go a long way. If you can or are interested in donating blood for your Bozeman community, please do. Hug your loved ones a little tighter this Thanksgiving, because you truly never know when something like this can happen.
Waukesha United Way:
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