With four severely injured, members of Waukesha South band begin recovery from traumatic parade incident
This story was republished on Jan. 20, 2022 to make it free for all
The Waukesha South High School band has begun the difficult road to recovery after experiencing the trauma, and some serious injuries, in the 58th annual Waukesha Holiday Parade.
Four band members were seriously injured when an SUV rolled through the event, killing six people and injuring at least 62. Between GoFundMes and information from Waukesha South students, the four severely injured have been identified as the following:
Justin Golackson
The 17-year-old senior was a sousaphone player in the marching band. His instrument might have saved his life, according to a GoFundMe working to replace his and other Waukesha South band instruments.
A GoFundMe started by his grandmother said he avoided life-threatening injuries, but suffered a sprained neck, sprained ankle, bruised back and ligament damage.
"However, the emotional damage to Justin and anyone else who was injured or even witnessed this tragedy is more than one can imagine," the GoFundMe said.
"(He) has just blossomed into a wonderful young man," the GoFundMe post goes on to say.
Golackson recently began a job working part time at Meijer's. He has a strong love for music and has recently began learning to play guitar.
His GoFundMe raised more than $5,000 by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Aidan Laughrin
Laughrin, a senior percussion player, suffered fractured ribs, severe bruising and stitches, according to his GoFundMe page.
"This is not the way a family should enter their holiday season," his GoFundMe reads. "They are tough but the road ahead is going to be tough too, both physically and emotionally."
The GoFundMe was organized by a woman named Abby Jung, who made Sylvia Laughrin, Aidan's mother, the beneficiary.
It said that despite Aidan being injured, Sylvia stopped to help others in the parade chaos.
His mother declined to speak to the Journal Sentinel by phone Tuesday.
His GoFundMe has raised nearly $25,000 by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Tyler Pudleiner
Pudleiner, a junior, was a saxophone player and heavily involved in sports at the school.
His Instagram page shows he played baseball, was the football team manager, and ran cross country, being awarded most improved runner in 2020.
A GoFundMe page created for him said he was admitted to the ICU and underwent two surgeries. He was still in the hospital as of Tuesday.
"Tyler is such a great and wonderful young man. He has so many talents and has the biggest heart," his GoFundMe reads.
NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki from Richfield shared a picture with Pudleiner, encouraging followers to send him positive thoughts.
Pudleiner's GoFundMe raised nearly $20,000 by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Erick Tiegs
Tiegs, a junior, was an avid baseball player in addition to playing in the band.
According Tiegs’ donation page, his brother Tyson also is on the band. He was not injured and stayed with his brother the whole time.
Erick suffered a broken femur, which required surgery, a skull fracture, broken ribs, C4 vertebrae fracture, a bruised lung and collapsed lung.
He was moved out of the intensive care unit on Tuesday. According to his father's Facebook page he was doing better on Wednesday.
Teigs' father is a member of the Caldonia Firefighters Association and his fundraiser was facilitated through the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin.
His father declined to speak to the Journal Sentinel by phone Tuesday.
Teigs' donation page did not show totals raised, but said more than 800 contributions had been made by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
'The most selfless people'
About 60 students marched with the Waukesha South High School Band in the parade. Some suffered physical injuries that did not require hospital visits. Many have to deal with the mental trauma of the day.
"Currently, most are just trying to stay away from social media and the news," said Micah Liss, one of two drum majors with the Waukesha South Band. "As for a lot, including myself, seeing the videos and photos and people trying to turn this political is extremely damaging."
Liss said aside from that, they appreciate the support and best wishes sent to the band from across the country.
"My band is made up of the most selfless people I know. Everyone I've talked to, no matter the degree of mental or physical hurt, has only cared about others who were there," Liss said. "We are all aware of how lucky we are to have all our members stable, and the level of community support given."
BoDeans lead singer Kurt Neumann shared a Facebook post reflecting on when he played in the Waukesha South band and marched in the holiday parade.
"I was playing drums in the Waukesha South marching band on a cool fall night in 1977, marching down Main Street in the holiday parade," the post said. "So, this is in my DNA. When I sing of my hometown, these are the experiences I draw from. This is my hometown. Our hearts are with the families."
More than $200,000 has been raised in a fundraiser organized by the Kali Granzow, band director Waukesha West High School. Her band also marched in the Waukesha parade on Sunday.
"This traumatic event has brought our community together with heavy hearts. We are looking to help the South band with medical costs, new instruments, and uniforms, as well as any additional expenses that they may encounter due to this horrific event," the GoFundMe reads. "We are one band family. We love and support each other."
Jordyn Noennig covers Wisconsin culture and lifestyle. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Waukesha South band members hurt in parade getting GoFundME support
