Spring Break
BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Accident victim, former student dies
Sarah Kloepping, Jerica Harvey, Joseph Luther
Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: News
|
"It's a tragedy. We're very upset that this happened in our community. We want to address those locations," Whitewater City Manager Kevin Brunner said Tuesday.
"We've been praying for him these past two weeks. It's just very sad," added Brunner as he fought back tears following a meeting on campus.
Chaloupka had been listed in critical condition and on life support at the UW-Madison Hospital since the accident. He suffered from 12 broken bones and collapsed lungs.
The Whitewater Police Department reported another vehicle turning southbound from the inside lane on Main Street blocked the view of the driver who hit Chaloupka.
"This was a very tragic accident, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Michael Chaloupka," City of Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said.
Local residents and students have complained about intersections on Main Street leading to the campus as dangerous. At the end of last semester, the city installed electric warning pedestrian signs in an effort to prevent accidents.
Chancellor Richard Telfer met with the Whitewater City Council Sept. 2 to request further safety measures at the Whiton and Cottage intersections.
A prayer vigil was held tonight (Sept. 9) at the UC where 20 students grieved and prayed for Chaloupka and his family.
"I wanted to have us come together to support each other during this time of loss," President of Intervarsity Chelsea Felton said. "All I can think to do is pray...Mike had a personality that brought laughter into all our lives."
Other students also prayed for the driver who struck Chaloupka.
The Royal Purple will continue to update as soon as more information becomes available.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Nathan H
posted 9/09/08 @ 9:22 PM CST
This is really sad news to hear. Mike was a great fellow classmate who brought laughter to the classroom with his witty remarks. He will be missed.
Angie Z.
posted 9/10/08 @ 9:44 AM CST
This is a horrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Mike, his friends, and his family. I also extend them to the unfortunate driver who hit Mike. (Continued…)
Tom
posted 9/10/08 @ 10:30 AM CST
I honestly hope that the city will get socked with a lawsuit. What has been done to increase safety is simply not enough. The University and Whitewater community need to wake up and really and seriously fix this problem!
Jim
posted 9/10/08 @ 1:28 PM CST
They already "addressed those locations." They added those worthless pedestrian signals that flash Christmas lights at drivers. They don't help at all and they are not available at all four corners of an intersection. (Continued…)
Jason
posted 9/10/08 @ 6:02 PM CST
Weren't we suppose to be getting crossing guards, only to instead get these new signs? Here's an idea, have students do it, and have it count towards their volunteer hours. (Continued…)
Post a Comment