A 79-year-old grandmother has been identified as one of the victims who lost their lives in the Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.
On Sunday, 5 people were killed and 48 were injured after an SUV driver plowed his Ford into a crowd of people who gathered to celebrate Christmas in the Wisconsin city.
Following the horrific incident, the authorities apprehended the sole suspect, 39-year-old Darrell E. Brooks, who could face five intentional homicide charges.
In the meanwhile, four out of five people who were killed during the parade were identified as Milwaukee Dancing Grannies members. The three ladies who passed away while entertaining the crowd include 52-year-old Tamara Durand, 71-year-old Leana ‘Lee’ Owen, and 79-year-old Virginia ‘Ginny’ Sorenson. Succumbing to injuries sustained during the incident was also 82-year-old Wilhelm Hospel, a husband of one of the Dancing Grannies.
“Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness,” the Dancing Grannies wrote in a tribute to their members.
“While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds, cheers, and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts.
“Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies. Their eyes gleamed… joy of being a Grannie. They were the glue… held us together.”
Following the tragedy, Sorenson’s family spoke out to pay a tribute to the dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and a former registered nurse.
According to her husband David, the 79-year-old liked to dance and perform in front of people.
“What did she like about it? Everything. She liked the instructing. She liked the dancing and the camaraderie of the women. She liked to perform,” the grieving husband told Milwaukee Journal.
“[She] was going to ride in the van behind the woman and be an instructor. They were short help so she offered to hold the banner going down the street. So she did that. I was at the end in the car. I was sitting in the car waiting.”
Paying a tribute to the extraordinary lady was also Virginia’s granddaughter, Gabrielle Kamentz, who vowed to finish her studies as a nursing student in her grandma’s name.
“She had such a good heart. Such a good soul. She was the glue that held the family together. I’m still in shock and trying to process this as I write,” Kamentz wrote.
“As I continue through nursing school, I will live that legacy to her. My grandmother was an incredible nurse. I’m so proud to be following in her footsteps.”
Our thoughts remain with all of the victims and their families during these challenging times.
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