WAUKESHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Flags throughout Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff Tuesday, which will mark two years since the deadly Waukesha Christmas parade tragedy.
Six people were killed and 62 others injured on Nov. 21, 2021 when a man drove his SUV through the parade. Darrell Brooks Jr. was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
In a news release, Gov. Tony Evers said flying flags at half-staff will help remember and honor those who lost their lives: Tamara Durand, 52; Wilhelm Hospel, 81; Jane Kulich, 52; Leanna Owen, 71; Virginia Sorenson, 79; and Jackson Sparks, 8.
In the wake of this devastation, we saw an entire community come together to mourn the lives lost and to begin the long road towards recovery, and have seen the kindness, strength, and resilience of Waukesha as the community united behind the message ‘Waukesha Strong.’ As we observe this anniversary, Kathy and I are thinking of all those who were affected by this horrible tragedy, including the victims and survivors and the first responders and community members who ran toward danger to help their neighbors in their time of need. We are also keeping the families of Tamara, Wilhelm, Jane, Leanna, Virginia, and Jackson in our hearts. Their memories will live on through the unity, strength, and light felt throughout this community, and they will not be forgotten.
The order will be in effect from sunrise to sunset Tuesday.