The final act of a Christmas-loving mother, killed by a speeding car as it plowed through a parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, will embrace the giving spirit of her favorite holiday.
Jane Kulich, a churchgoing Green Bay Packers fan, “died doing something she loved,” her sister-in-law, Shawn Kulich, told People.
“Her employer asked her to go to the parade and help pass out candy to the children dressed in a Christmas outfit,” she recalled. “That’s a thing she loved to do, was doing that for the children.”
Kulich was doing just that on Sunday when an SUV rammed through a holiday parade weaving its way through Waukesha. The 52-year-old, a grandmother, was killed in the incident, which also claimed the lives of Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jackson Sparks, 8; and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.
Disturbing footage from the parade posted on the City of Waukesha Facebook page shows a red SUV speeding down the roadway while a marching band passes and plays “Jingle Bells.”
Dozens of others were also injured; some may receive a bit of help from Kulich.
Shawn Kulich confirmed earlier this week that her sister-in-law’s organs would be donated to some of the survivors of the parade tragedy. She described Kulich “as an amazing mother. Amazing mother, amazing grandmother, amazing sister-in-law, all around good people.”
“God works in mysterious ways,” Shawn wrote in a text message. “My brother and his children were so thrilled to learn this news. Some tears from this tragedy have been turned into tears of joy now!!!! I know Jane is smiling for this!”
Darrell Brooks Jr. was charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide Tuesday, the same day a sixth victim, Jackson, died from injuries sustained in the Christmas chaos.
“My brother and his children were so thrilled to learn this news. Some tears from this tragedy have been turned into tears of joy now!!!! I know Jane is smiling for this!"
He faces the possibility of an additional charge of first-degree intentional homicide for the child’s death.
Bail for Brooks was set at $5 million cash. If convicted on all counts, he faces five consecutive life sentences.
