A night meant to mark a major milestone turned tragic for two 22-year-old women who were hit by a car while celebrating their college graduations in downtown Milwaukee.
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, the women were standing near the intersection of Water and State streets when a vehicle plowed through a traffic barricade and struck them, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. Both women suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The driver remained at the scene and was issued multiple citations, police said.
One of the victims has been identified as Chloe Handrich. Her mother, Karen Handrich, told NBC affiliate WTMJ that the phone call about Chloe being in the emergency room was “every parent’s nightmare.”
“It’s the call you pray you never get,” she said.
Chloe and her friend, identified only as Sam, were celebrating their graduation when the crash occurred. According to a GoFundMe campaign created for Chloe, what should have been a night of joy turned devastating when a driver “recklessly ignored the barricades that were in place to protect pedestrians.”
Alex Michaelis, a registered nurse visiting Milwaukee for her wedding, rushed to help after hearing the crash. Still in her wedding dress, she stayed with the injured women until emergency responders arrived.
“She was unconscious for a while, so I was very nervous,” Michaelis told ABC affiliate WISN.
Chloe remains in the ICU as of July 23, suffering from severe head trauma, fractures to her pelvis and legs, and liver damage, according to WTMJ. The GoFundMe page describes her as a vibrant and kind person who “lights up every room.”
Sam, also a recent graduate, sustained multiple broken bones, head trauma, internal injuries, a broken nose, and deep lacerations requiring 16 stitches. She also lost several teeth and is currently on a liquid diet as she recovers, according to a separate fundraiser started by her loved ones.
Despite their pain, Sam’s supporters say she remains resilient.
“Her sweet nature, gentle spirit, and radiant smile — one we hope to restore — continue to inspire everyone around her,” the fundraiser’s organizer wrote.
Chloe’s mother believes the consequences for the driver, who was cited for failing to yield, driving without insurance, and having an expired registration, are not enough.
“There was no regard for these two 22-year-old girls whose lives have completely changed,” she said. “The trajectory of their lives has changed forever because of this reckless driver.”
