From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Tonight's boys and girls basketball games between Grafton and Homestead high schools have been postponed following the announcement earlier today that a third teenager has died from injuries suffered in last Friday's two-vehicle crash on I-43 in Grafton.
Katelynn M. Tolzman, 16, of the Town of Grafton, and a sophomore cheerleader at Grafton High School, died early this morning at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, Ozaukee County Coroner John Holicek said.
Also postponed is the hockey game that was scheduled tonight between Grafton-Port Washington High School and St. Mary's Springs High School in Fond du Lac, Grafton High Athletic Director Scott Parsons said.
Grafton students are being allowed to leave school early today because of the news, Parsons said.
"It's been just a very, very tough week here and with this news coming today it just doesn't make sense to play," Parsons said.
Aaron J. Prom, 17, of Saukville, is in critical but stable condition at Froedtert. Tolzman and Prom were passengers in a Mazda sedan driven by Kathryn Zoromski when the car left the southbound lanes north of Pioneer Road, crossed the median and slipped beneath a cable barrier.
...Zoromski, 16, of the Town of Grafton, and another passenger, Brandon Melichar, 17, of the Town of Port Washington, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Kathryn Zoromski's funeral was on Wednesday. Brandon Melichar's funeral was yesterday.
Now, this morning, news comes that Katelynn Tolzman died of her injuries.
There will be yet another funeral, more grieving. It's heartbreaking.
God be with the family and friends of Katelynn.
36 comments:
this is horrible. i didn't know these kids, but i do know some of brandon's funeral yesterday was one of the toughest things i've seen in my entire life. it's not fair that these kids died - & port washington / saukville is still mourning the loss of paul watry, who was killed by a drunk illegal immigrant in a car crash this summer. the families & friends are in my thoughts and prayers. <3 stay strong.
I miss them all so much i was so close to all. Its so heartbreaking. And so unreal.
It's awful. My heart goes out to all those families suffering. There's nothing much else someone can say... horrific, awful, so sad. I'm so sorry to all who were close to and loved them.
I hope that those who were close to the victims, like Tina, find strength in knowing that they're in the thoughts and prayers of so many.
During this time of such great tragedy, I hope it's helpful for them to know that there are people who really care and understand how difficult it is for them to cope with their sudden loss.
i didnt know any of the three really well but i have so many questions that i want anwsered but no one can... my heart goes out to everone and all of the famiies that were effected but the horrible accident.
This is such a tragedy and we will never be able to fully understand why. However, through the help of many, maybe we can provide some comfort to Katie's family. A memorial fund has been established for those who wish to contribute. Contributions can be made at any Ozaukee Bank location and at the Grafton Pick-n-Save.
Please continue to keep all those affected by this horrific tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.
i was one of the first ppl on the scene. i tried to do my best to save the young pretty girl (Kathryn Zoromski ) i helped pull brandon out with a lady who was giving him cpr. the other boy aaron was awake and crying but he seemed the least injured out of the bunch. i wish i could of did more. iw as the one on fox 6 news if anyone seen me. i seen Kathryn Zoromski move for her last time. it was very hard for me being young myself. i had to stop and help.my condolences go to the family and friends
It must have been awful to be at the scene of the accident. I'm sure the memories are haunting, but you should feel good about doing all you could to help.
Contributions to the memorial fund is a way for others to help, too.
And everyone can offer their prayers.
yes it was a very horrific scene. but alot of people were there to help and try to do everything they could. it made me have a different perspective on life. i went home and immediately hugged my family and told them i loved them. i had a couple people call me a hero but i dont think of it that way at all. if anyone sees someone that is injured or in need of help it is there duty to stop and help and try to do the most they can do.
im the mail guy who goes to froedert everyday to pick up the mail so i often checked to see where they were and how they were doing (aaronn and katelynn) since i was close friends to the ppl who work in the mail room they had no problem letting me know. but the one day i came katelynns name was no longer on the alive list. i was very saddened and hurt by this as i remember trying to get katelynn out of her seat in the car that very horrible day.
please everyone make a post at katelynns and kathryns memorial at the link i provide at the bottom, also there is a video memorial of both girls to show you a litte snap shop of there lives.
again my prayers go out to everyone as im very saddened by this being a young person myself i feel a connection to these teens even thou i never knew a single one of them or there familes.
kathryns obit: http://obit.muellerfuneralhome.com/obitdisplay.html?id=479116&listing=Current
katelynns obit:
http://obit.muellerfuneralhome.com/obitdisplay.html?id=481251&listing=Current
Alex, I was in traffic on I-43 a couple of hours after the accident occurred. After I found out what happened, I was just haunted by this whole tragedy. I went to Kathryn's visitation; however, I had to travel out of town when Brandon and Katelynn's services were held. You were very brave to have dealt with what you saw, and at the same time maintain a cool head and offer any help you could give. You mentioned that Brandon and Kathryn were still alive when you came upon the scene. Do you think they suffered at all? God, I pray not. Again, I admire your courage and am happy there are people like you out there.
Kell,
im pretty sure they did not suffer from what i could tell. to be honest kathryn didnt have a scratch on her! she was as beautiful then as she was in real life. im pretty sure it was the force of the accident on her cheast that killed her. Same goes for brandon (he seemed to look in worse condition then kathryn). the front seats in the car were as far forward as they would go from the force of the boys in the back. im pretty sure if the boys in the back and maybe the girls had a seat belt on they would have survived. i seen kathryn move 1 time and im pretty sure that was when her soul was leaving her body to go to heaven. she left with brandon at about the same time. im sure they were above the accident scene looking down. did you know brandon and kathryn were boyfriend/girlfriend? arron(the other boy in the car) was released from the hospital the other day, im very happy about this. but tragically he wasnt told his friends died until a couple days before his release. he has no recolection of the accident and had no idea his friends were even there let alone them dying. they could not tell him about his friends being killed due to them not wanting to affect his healing process. i was always told your brain removes or shields you from remembering times that are really tragic and hurtful. im sure later on in life the puzzle pieces will come together and he will start to remember.
my email is assoicaated with my name if you click on alex you can email me if you like.
Alex-
Hi Alex,
The link does not provide your e-mail for some reason. Here is mine:
kellyanen@hotmail.com
i was very close to Katelynn Tolzman but not so much with Kate. to those who tried to help them on that tragic day. Thank you. they were truly. the most amazing girls you could have ever met. they always knew how to make you laugh. I remember the wednesday before the crash. in study hall. Kate came up to my table and was talking about having our licenses and she said. o well lets all hang out sometime since you all have your license. its just not right that they had to go. I wanted to see Katie one more time just to say my goodbyes. but i know she knows that i love her and miss her everyday. along with that. one of my best friends is cousins with aaron prom. hes doing so much better now. and he still doesnt remember much but just he has so much support to help him through this.
No one can take the place of such an amazing girl liek Katie. We had so many good times together. She was amazing. She always knew what to say. Dealing with the loss of her is heartbreaking and depressing. So many people miss her along with Kate and Brandon.,
Hi,
I have not been on this site for awhile, but checked in and read the comments from the "anonmymous" people in Feb. and March.
Obviously, you knew both of the girls and I can't imagine how hard this must be for you.
I did not get the honor to meet either one; I only passed by the scene of the accident a couple of hours after it happened.
I think about and pray for Kate and Katie (Brandon too) every day. I can't imagine how their parents even begin to feel. I hope since they all have other children, that they can find a way to get through this.
The first thing I thought when I saw the news coverage of the accident is how all 3 of the kids just looked like they were wonderful people. From what everyone has said about them, it sounds like my instinct is right.
The only thing I can try to hang on to in order to make sense of such a tragedy is that they must have some important mission in the next life. I guess God must have needed them that much because they are so special.
Kell,
long time no talk.
you know i drive by the spot where the accident happened every day (for my job) and i do think about the kids.
to think you were stuck in traffic and i seen it happen and was the first to open the car doors is pretty crazy and it shows that it all effects us in a different way. i will always remember what i seen and felt that day. it made me think alot different about everything.
The most remarkable thing i remember about everything is how kathryn (driver) did not have one scratch on her that i could see. she was a very pretty young women.
i heard the surviving boy from the back seat is doing great and has been out the hospital for some time, he was concious and aware at the time and was crying and trying to reach his friend brandon who was next to him in the backseat. but yet he has no recolection of anything that happened that day. its how the mind supresses images and thoughts that are painful.
sometimes i think about buying something and setting it on the exact spot where it happened, but id hate it if someone got into another accident while gauking at it.
i rarely wore my seatbelt when i drove on the hwy, but now every time i drive on the hwy i put it on because i seen what can happen first hand when you dont wear one.
Hi Alex,
As much as the whole accident bothers me, I know it's a lot harder on you since you were there to see it all. Still can't imagine how hard it must have been to see them die at the scene like that.
It just reminds you not to take your life or family for granted. At any given moment, it can all be gone.
I wonder if Aaron Prom will ever remember what happened...I think they said in the news that will be the only way they may find out why or how the accident happened.
Anyway, they all remain in my thoughts and prayers and always will
My husband called me from his cell phone telling me about the horrific accident he was passing on the freeway. I blew it off until I received a call from one of the families looking for a phone number for one of the other kids. My daughter was suppose to join the kids, but we have family coming in from out of town and I said no. From that moment on, the lives of our families have changed for ever.
That is so unreal...I've thought many times how it could have just been so different had they the kids not had plans to meet up that day... Have you talked any more with any of the families of the kids who didn't make it?I just wonder how they are doing. I think about them everyday and wonder how they are getting through this.
I was a very good friend of KAtie's... We went to John long together, and although i moved the summer after 8th grade, It was still extrememly difficult to deal with her death. To this day I remember her to be the girl who always had something to laugh about... She didnt care that I was the weird kid, and I didnt care that she was the popular girl. She was a great person, and the town of Grafton has changed without her. Its a shame really. Our lives will forever be effected by her life, as well as her death.
With unmeasurable love,
A.H.
It's so amazing to hear what a great person she was. She seemed to have a big heart and accept everyone for who they were. It's so heartbreaking to think she had to be taken away from everyone who loved her so much.
I curse the god that took her from us... Since then, I've lost my faith in karma, and god. I now devote my spirituality to the spirits of nature... ITs really all thats left that makes sense.
To this day, I continue to mourn her.
A.H.... again
Austin,
were you and katelynn close?
i take it you were.
i seen there myspace pages, its pretty sad to see them, both the girls are set to private, but brandons and aarons are open to the public.
just another sad reminder
I knew both the girls i went to school with them. It just BLOWS my mind that such amazing girls died.
alex, i thank you SO much for trying to save kate, my heart goes out to everyone that tried.
I never wore my seat belt, a matter in fact not very many people in our school wore them. Now when you see kids getting in their car the first thing they do is wear their seat belt. It amazes me how many people helped. They are not making a memorial that was just passed yesterday, it will be at Centenial Park. There will be 3 benches one for kate, one for katie and the other for Brandon. Behind these benches will be a tree for each kid. Also in front of the benches will be different words saying " believe" and "live" then there are rocks that you can buy, and put a saying on them and lay them but the benches. The kids at the school all supported by going to this board meeting. It was upseting to think about what all happend again. I cry till this day cause i miss these girls so much. I just wanted to say good bye to Katie. Her and i were fighting when she died. I just wish i could take it all back!!! :(
and i saw her a couple of days before the accident at school.
I've seen aaron. He looks Great!! he dosn't remember anything, but just remember he is the key to figureing out how these beautiful kids died.
its been almost a year since the accident and i still can not believe it actually happened. yesterday was the day the memorial for the three of them was put in at Centennial Park in grafton. it was an amazing day because we got to re live all the great times we had with the three of them. but it was also a very sad day because i know for at least me it rushed back those painful memories of the calls and news i received about the accident. thank you to everyone who is keeping the families and lost in their prayers. when i see katie's mother at pick n save working, she makes me smile because of how strong she is. I idolize her. i miss them all so much. it is so hard to go through everyday knowing that no matter how hard i try. i will never get to feel or see them again. Love always and foreverr.
Never take life for granted.
yesterday was the day of the memorial and i still cant believe they are gone. it looks amazing. at Centennial Park in Grafton. it just brought back so many memories. mostly good of recollecting the good times we had with those three but it also brought back terrible memories of the days we lost them. i still remember the calls i received the morning of katies death. it makes me cry. i just miss her so much. i thought the memorial was beautifully planned out. it will be a place of comfort for many throughout their lives. the families were all their yesterday and seemed somewhat relieved knowing the communities could come together on such an amazing project and show respect for Kate Katie and Brandon. Thank you to all those who keep the families and lost ones in their prayers. no whole can ever be filled in the heart from the loss of these three. i miss you.
hey you dont need to thank me, \i felt like it was something i had to do and everyone should be a good someritan or however u spell it.
as i said before for my job i have to drive by that exact location every day, i still think about it, i still see the tire marks and know exactly where it happened.
just remember tomarrow is never promised.
enjoy life as best as possible because you never know when you will leave this place.
what you did was something that i hope every smaritan would do. but you are a truly blessed person. you are a hero. to stop and help them. just know. those three are watching over you. they always will because what you did is exactly what any one of those three would have done. now that the one year mark is coming up. it will be a terrible day. but there will be faith,love, and hope that will be shared among all on those days. They were so bright and happy, we know they would have wanted us to be happy. i will never be able to show how grateful i am towards you. Thank You.
I worked at the memorial on Oct. 18 and I was honored to be part of it. I did not know any of these kids, but traveling on 43 after the accident occurred and hearing about the aftermath will mark my life forever. It's been nearly one year and I think about it everyday - I pray for Kate; Katie; and Brandon and their families everyday. I don't know if I could be as strong as they are. Life is so fragile and can be taken away at any moment; it's so scary.
Today is the day for the ONE year annerversery, tomorrow at school will be so sad, because everyone is gonna just wanna stay close. It still blows my mind she is gone. I miss her so much. I too, helped at the Memorial it was beautiful. We got these beautiful shirts for the 3. It was amazing, everyone got to write on a block of anything they would like and it was put in there memorial. I live by centenial and i go there almost all the time and pray. Those 3 children were AMAZING kids, if you could have only spent one day with each of them you would feel the same way. They were blessed with such great hearts. and they will always be missed.
god bless.
and remember ALWAYS wear your seat belt.
Happy 1 year girls, i love you.
its crazy to think today is the day, i remember that it was black friday (shopping day) the day after thanksgiving and i had to work, well today i have off and have alot of time to think.
i never once thought about getting out and helping i just automatically did. when i see everything up close it really made me think alot about how much to cherish what you have and enjoy everytime you hang out with someone that means something to you.
i think brandon would of lived if he would of have had his belt on, maybe all of them would have, we will never know and cant ask why anymore because its already happened and now all we can do is sit back and think about the good times and the smiles on there faces in the pictures of them all over youtube and facebook.
Katelynn was trying to hold on, but it was her time, i go to froedert hospital everday for my job and every day for the short time i was there i would make a friend check in the system to see her status in ICU (if she was still alive or if she improved or was transfered)it was horrible finding out that she passed early friday due to head truama. i know her family was there with her and i hope that she got to talk to them or atleast smile one for them, but i will never know if that happened.
i wanted to go to the memorial and speak to the parents, shake there hands and offer condolences but i had to work and was unable to get off, i regret not doing more to go as i felt like it was my duty to go and be there.
i will always remember these kids until i grow old and die,Being younger myself (23) i think in all it gives me a lesson in life. that goes for everyone too, and that is to cherish and love and enjoy the times while there here because you will never know when they will end...
Well, Its going to be a year on thursday that Katie died.
Thanks for hanging around guys. I'm glad people care :D
Austin,
If you mind me asking were you dating katie??
Do you know if she was concious anytime while at froedert before she passed?
No she was not conscious when she died. They were keeping her in a coma until she was more stable and the night before she died they decided to pull a cord they had measuring brain activity thinking it would help her out. Unfortunately it did the opposite and as the night went on her condition worsened. in the morning when she got really bad her parents were at home resting when they received a call that she was not doing good at all and they should come see her for maybe the last time so around 430 that friday, her parents by her side, she passed away.
Does anyone know if they ever figured out WHY the accident happened? Has Aaron been able to remember any of the events leading up to the accident?
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