2008 Woodie Awards
Students, community mourn death of former student
Royal Purple staff
Issue date: 9/10/08 Section: News
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Chaloupka, who was in a wheelchair, was hit Aug. 26 while crossing the Whiton and Main streets intersection.
"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.
Chaloupka graduated in May with a degree in management computer systems and economics. He was in the process of becoming a staff worker for the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
"We were so looking forward to having him on staff," Intervarsity member and friend Matt Leon said. "He was freaking amazing - kind, generous, humorous. He was one of the funniest guys I ever knew.
"He never let his disabilities get in the way of what he wanted to do in life."
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 last night 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 - 3 of 3
Jim
posted 9/09/08 @ 11:10 PM CST
"It's a tragedy. We're very upset that this happened in our community. We want to address those locations."
They just spent how much money putting in these crosswalk signals and someone dies? Those signals are worthless. (Continued…)
Kendra
posted 9/10/08 @ 1:44 PM CST
The problem is that there aren't any "signals", only signs. I have seen so many careless people just wizz by, and most often it comes from the inside lane where the right lane is stopped, for the pedestrian, and the inside lane can't see them so they just fly by instead of stopping. (Continued…)
fake diplomas
posted 12/11/08 @ 2:53 AM CST
This is a tragedy indeed. I know how they feel. I had a very good friend who died in a car accident two years ago. He was such an intelligent and brave man. (Continued…)
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