WAUKESHA, Wis. — Shock and deep sadness hit a small Wisconsin community Sunday after six people died and at least 62 were injured after a driver plowed through the Waukesha Christmas parade.
At an afternoon press conference Monday, police named the initial five people who died in the parade incident.
Additionally, a sixth victim, 8-year-old Jackson Sparks, died from his injuries on Tuesday.
He played on the Waukesha Blazers.
“Jackson was tender-hearted with a contagious smile. He was the little guy on the team that everyone supported. You couldn’t help but love him," Blazers president Jeff Rogers said. "[...] We will continue to keep the Sparks family in our prayers."
One of initial five victims was 79-year-old Ginny Sorensen. Her family said she was a proud member of the Dancing Grannies and a registered nurse.
"The outpouring of prayers, messages and sentiments sent to the grannies over this devastating loss have touched us deeply. Many are asking how they can help," the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies wrote on Facebook Tuesday. "Thank you all for your outpouring of love and kind words for the Dancing Grannies."
"Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed.....joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue....held us together."
Also killed was 52-year-old Jane Kulich who was an employee from Citizen Bank. Kulich was walking with U.S. Citizens Bank in the parade when she was struck. Her friend, Shannon Calhoun, said Jane was a rising personal banker and a mother of three who had a "heart of gold."
"She was a fantastic person when it comes to being a friend, a mother, a grandmother," said Calhoun. "She lights up a room."
There will be a Friends and Family Resource Center set up at Carroll University in the Campus Center ballroom for all the victims from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday.
The District Attorney Victim Assistance Program is also available to assist. You can email help4victims@da.wi.gov