Schools
Crash Seriously Injures 7 High School Swimmers; Help Needed
Seven high school seniors suffered a range of injuries from broken bones, concussions to life-threatening injuries.
WAUWATOSA, WI — The Wauwatosa community is mourning the tragic injury of several Wauwatosa West High School seniors, who were on a road trip before Christmas. Each suffered severe injuries in a car crash, and many had to be hospitalized according to reports.
According to the Adams County Sheriff's office, a van containing the seven students, who are on the Wauwatosa East/West Combined Swim and Dive Hurricane Team, was headed north on Highway Z in Adams County at just after 8 p.m. on Dec. 22, and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Highway 21. Sheriff's officials said the van went through the intersection and was struck by a west bound semi truck. Both vehicles left the roadway and came to rest in a field northwest of the intersection.
Authorities said people had injuries ranging from minor to severe. Five were transported by Flight for Life and two were transported by ground ambulance. Names are not being released at this time. Adams County Sheriff's officials said.
Find out what's happening in Wauwatosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Wauwatosafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The unimaginable happened—they were involved in a dreadful car accident sending all seven to the hospital with injuries varying from multiple broken bones, contusions, concussions to life threatening. Multiple helicopters, ambulances, first responders, and others responded to help each of the boys," Heidi Hegwood said in a Go Fund Me post that is hoping to raise enough money to cover medical expenses.
Hegwood said all seven boys are Wauwatosa West High School seniors. "The crash will end the high school careers for all but 1 of the seniors involved.," according to one report.
"What should’ve been a joyous time of the year quickly turned into the most challenging time of their lives," she said. "All seven boys are very close friends and were always seen around school with each other. Everyday they ate lunch together, hung out regularly and are truly the closest of friends.
Hegwood said they felt fortunate that no one died as a result of the crash, though "we are not out of the woods yet," she wrote.
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