Wisconsin holiday parade tragedy

A red SUV charges at a crowd of people during the City of Waukesha’s 58th Annual Christmas Parade. Six people are reported dead, and more than 60 injured. Photo courtesy of the New York Post.

A red SUV charges at a crowd of people during the City of Waukesha’s 58th Annual Christmas Parade. Six people are reported dead, and more than 60 injured. Photo courtesy of the New York Post.

Orlyanka Tantchou, Co-Editor-in-Chief

On November 21, Waukesha, Wisconsin was prepared to celebrate the holiday season with their annual Christmas parade, which ended with six lives lost. 

A red 2010 Ford Escape drove into the crowd on Main Street was described as emotionless amid screams of terror. 

Citizens fell to the ground as the SUV rammed its way into rows of barricades. 

The driver was identified as Darell Brooks, 39. 

The police determined that Brooks was not involved in a terrorist group and worked alone in this tragedy.

According to CNN, the confirmed death toll is six, while over a dozen remain hospitalized, and over 60 are severely injured.

The victims were identified as Tamara Durand (52), Wilhelm Gospel (81), Jane Kulich (52),  LeAnna Owen (71), Virginia Sorenson (79).

The sixth victim was Jackson Sparks (8) was confirmed on November 23 after a battle in the hospital. 

Brooks is charged with six counts of first-degree intentional homicide, and held at bail set for five million.

Court records show his violent past, as he was recently released from jail with a $1,000 bail for an accusation of running over the mother of his child on November 2.

His criminal record widens as authorities note he has an arrest warrant in Nevada and is a registered sex offender in the state.

He spent his time at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center for a period of eighteen months.

Among the six victims were three members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and the husband of a fourth, a dance performing group for the parades. 

A candlelight remembrance ceremony took place in Waukesha on November 22, to commemorate the lives lost.

On December 4, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, the remaining members of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies walked in their first parade since the accident to show support for the lives lost. 

They made it clear they weren’t planning on retiring after 40 years.

Tributes continue to be shared as families mourn the loss of their loved ones.