VERONA, Wis. — The five people killed in a single car crash in the Town of Verona on Nov. 1 have been identified as: Michelle and Jeff Bauer of Crandon, Josh and Tammy Stahl of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Barry Sievers of Belleville.

According to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Tesla they were in went off the road and hit a tree around 11:15 p.m. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames.

What You Need To Know

  • Five died in a Tesla crash in Verona on Nov. 1, including prominent diabetes advocate Michelle Bauer
  • Michelle Bauer is being remembered as a "beacon of light" in diabetes community after tragic accident
  • The community is mourning the founder of Jesse Was Here Foundation, dedicated to supporting those with Type 1 diabetes

Devastated community members have placed flowers near the scene of the crash.

One victim, Michelle Bauer, founded the Jesse Was Here Foundation, an organization that supports people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Aaron Perry, founder of the Perry Family Free Clinic and a close friend of Bauer, remembered her as “a beacon of light in the fight against all forms of diabetes.”

Perry spoke about Bauer’s dedication to diabetes advocacy, which began after her son Jesse’s death from Type 1 diabetes at just 13-years-old.

“She fought for her baby,” Perry said, recalling Bauer’s tireless work to help other families dealing with the disease.

Bauer’s memoir, Jesse Was Here, became an Amazon bestseller in 2020, and her foundation by the same name continues to offer support to those struggling with diabetes.

Perry is diabetic. He worked closely with Bauer to offer free diabetic testing services inside his clinic. He said he hopes to honor her memory inside the clinic soon.

Michael Braun, a community member who did not personally know the victims, was deeply moved by their advocacy work and visited the crash site to pay his respects.

“Just that it can end so suddenly,” he said, reflecting on the fragile nature of life.

Daniel Woolf, Executive Director, Breakthrough T1D Wisconsin Chapter released this statement about the crash:

“Breakthrough T1D was saddened to learn five incredible members of the type 1 diabetes community were killed in a car crash in Verona, Wisconsin earlier this month. All five were veteran participants in our cycling program, Breakthrough T1D Ride, and were unwavering in their dedication to our ultimate goal, finding cures for type 1 diabetes. We extend our condolences to the loved ones of Michelle and Jeff Bauer, Tammy and Josh Stahl, and Barry Sievers. Their contributions to the type 1 diabetes community were immeasurable, and they will be deeply missed.”

A celebration of life and a visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center at 1 John Nolan Drive in Madison. Times have yet to be announced. 

A memorial service in Crandon, Wis., will be held at a later date. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect new memorial service details. (Nov. 15, 2024)