Milwaukee crash near 12th and Atkinson, family mourns man killed

People gather tonight on the north side to mourn the loss of a 70 year old man killed last night as he was crossing the street. He's the third person in Milwaukee this week alone to die after being killed in the crosswalk. This time the driver did stop and is in custody tonight. A braille press Seattle live at Milwaukee Police headquarters after attending that vigil tonight. That's right, you guys. It was hard. It was quite the heartbreaking scene out there where we saw shared prayers embraces and dozens of balloons gathered at Atkinson Park this evening. Uh, and it was just a block away from that specific crash that ended the life of a man. Family has identified as William Spears. Balloons and flowers are seen at the corner of 12th and Atkinson. He is gonna be messed up as folks pay their respects to a senior citizen. Family identifies as 70 year old William Spears or as neighbors like to call wink. But you know, he likes staying out here and being out here around his people. He said these are people, his family. So we, you know, we respect that. It's the last place Spears was last seen driving his wheelchair before Milwaukee police say a driver crashed into him while he was attempting to cross the street Tuesday night. They told me it was like 50 miles an hour. So you know, that's kind of fast and it was during the daylight. Sheldon Rousey says Spears was his uncle. It's kind of hard for me and I'm trying to keep it together for him. A sentiment that is shared among those in the area who had love and respect for him. He was an awesome person. You know, it's giving, loving, never had a problem with him. So and I'm just now for me, for a lot of people in the community was the one that would take care of you no matter what. So it's impossible for you to grow up and not take care of wink in return. While not blood related, folks in the neighborhood saw him as family. Wink is irreplaceable man. Everybody everybody love wink man. We all everybody do the best that you can do for wink. Just a block away from the corner. He was last seen dozens gathered. He's in my heart and I'm pretty sure he's in a lot of people hearts out here that love him and respect them with prayer and balloons to honor his memory. Milwaukee police say the driver has been taken into custody and the incident remains under investigation. All charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office and the family has also uh set up an account with the go fund me. If you would like to get more information, you can visit our website or go on our fox local app on this story reporting live. I really appreciate it. Fox six news. April. Thank you