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Regent Street hit-and-run
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Also by Andriy Pazuniak:
- SSFC wittles Wunk Sheek budget (October 21, 2005)
- Cieslewicz, Judge come out on top in spring election (April 9, 2007)
- Music industry serves campus (March 22, 2007)
- UW to RIAA: No way (March 21, 2007)
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- Victim remains in coma (March 13, 2007)
- MATC student passes away (April 9, 2007)
- Intoxicated motorist causes moped crash (September 27, 2006)
- Police find suspect in hit-and-run (April 26, 2007)
- Campus robbery 3rd in week (April 21, 2006)
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by Andriy Pazuniak
Monday, March 12, 2007
An early morning hit-and-run accident at the corner of Park and Regent streets left a University of Wisconsin student in critical condition Saturday. Madison police are currently searching for a dark-colored minivan with a tinted rear window and no luggage rack, which they say struck the pedestrian while crossing the intersection at 2:18 a.m. Saturday and fled southbound on Park Street. Though neither the Madison Police Department nor university communications could confirm with The Badger Herald that the victim was a UW student, Channel 3000 reported the pedestrian was a university student on its website Sunday night. According to Channel 3000, the student experienced life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident and is currently being treated at UW Hospital. Saturday's accident was the third time a student pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing a city street this semester. On Feb. 14, a 19-year-old UW student was hit while crossing Langdon Street outside Memorial Union. And on Feb. 15, a UW sophomore was hit while crossing University Avenue near Bassett Street. City Council President Austin King, District 8, which includes the intersection of Regent and Park streets, said the corner has historically been a trouble spot for vehicular accidents. "The intersection of Regent and Park has long been known as one of Madison's worst intersections for vehicular accidents," King said, adding that a committee is currently discussing ways to make Regent Street more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. "There's a lot we need to do on Regent Street," King said. "And a tragedy like this underscores the need for that type of reform." According to the MPD, the investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information on the accident is asked to call (608) 266-5981.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 2:37am):
Ouch.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 3:24am):
We almost were run down on wednesday night and we called UWPD and reported the license plate of the car and they were pulled over and ticketed within minutes. Who drives drunk on a Wednesday -- to Limnology?? Call in reckless drivers when you see them.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 8:48am):
3 young people hit in 4 weeks and the City Council President responds "The intersection of Regent and Park has long been known as one of Madison's worst intersections for vehicular accidents," ? How many do we need to have lying in comas before the City Council stops "discussing" and starts acting?
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 10:24am):
Is it the fault of the intersection, or the fault of the driver(s)?
We have a culture that insists that auto drivers be able to pass easily and quickly through our city streets. Those not in a metal box are left to fend for themselves.
Whenever anyone suggests slowing or restricting motorized traffic on major streets, drivers and talk radio hosts/listeners start having seizures.
If you want safer streets for pedestrians, write the Mayor. He tells the city staff what to do. And the DA could be cracking down much harder on drunk driving. Haven't most of the drivers been drunk?
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 10:45am):
I wonder how many of these incidences all have alcohol involved. Not just the drivers but the students crossing the streets. We all see people do stupid things when crossing street in an attempt to relive "frogger". Although drivers do have a responsibility to be careful of pedestrians, its hard when the pedestrians abuse that.
- Germain E. Stemme
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 10:51am):
8:48 and Austin - Don't blame a poorly designed intersection for a hit & run.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 10:58am):
3 young people hit in 4 weeks and students still don't know how to look both ways before crossing the street?
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 1:10pm):
I don't understand how people can read an article like this and chastise the victim. No matter if he looked both ways, or if he had alcohol in his system, or if he crossed at a red, he was still hit by someone who neither slowed down nor stopped after. More focus should be placed on finding who did this - not on crossing streets or designing intersections.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 1:26pm):
If he had alcohol in his system and is stupid enough to play stupid games with cars then I don't see what the problem is? let him play!
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 2:40pm):
To 10:24...the first step in making streets safer for pedestrians is common sense (in the part of the pedestrian). I have seen so many people in past weeks that are too busy with their cell phone, iPod, PDA or whatever device they may be using that they don't realize they are walking into an intersection. When people in NYC announced that it would be illegal to occupy a crosswalk while using an electronic device people in Madison were outraged...I think that will greatly help our situation here. Pedestrians may have the right-of-way...but we still need to pay attention people!
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 6:50pm):
I'm trying to contain my anger as I write this. The man injured in the accident mentioned here is my cousin, Luke. Luke is a student at MATC with aspirations of transfering to UW in the future. Like you, he is a citizen of Madison, a community member. At this time, he continues to lie in a hospital bed, in a coma, with a constant stream of family members and friends waiting to spend a few minutes at his bedside to beg him to pull through.
According to witness accounts, Luke was walking at night, crossing with the light, with friends. The DRIVER of the VEHICLE ran a RED light, a violation of the LAW. Rather than speculate as to whether or not someone 'deserves' to be injured, perhaps your engery would be more wisely used keeping your eyes open for dark colored minivans with tinted windows and possible front end damage.
Luke's family appreciate any positive thoughts, well wishes, or prayers that you may be inclined to send our way.
Jill Peerenboom, '04
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 7:00pm):
"When people in NYC announced that it would be illegal to occupy a crosswalk while using an electronic device people in Madison were outraged..." yes, it was front page news in the Badger Herald, Daily Cardinal, State Journal and Cap Times. The city was outraged that NYC made such a rule...we really have nothing better to do than worry about what New Yorkers are doing.
"There's a lot we need to do on Regent Street," King said. "And a tragedy like this underscores the need for that type of reform." Yes, let's urge Regent Street to repent and reform. After all, it is Lent. Here's a news flash, Austin, Regent Street has to WANT to change
:-)
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 7:48pm):
To 1:26. Thanks for your sympathy regarding my family memeber. I appreciate knowing that there are such _caring_ people out there. I can't believe that anyone could believe that the presence of alcohol means that a pedestrian hit in a cross-walk deserves to be killed. Not to mention, there's no reference to alcohol or crossing against the light mentioned in the article. Seriously? Shame on you.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 8:13pm):
I have read and reread this article numerous times. No where do I find alcohol mentioned as a contributing factor. There is no excuse for not stopping if you strike a pedestrian with your vehicle.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 8:42pm):
I agree with 1:10 pm. The lawbreaker is the person who drove away from the scene. Regardless of how the accident developed, it is a crime to leave.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 9:03pm):
in response to 1:26 pm... someone makes an educated descion and walks home after a night of drinking instead of getting behing the wheel of a car and they are struck by a vehicle that runs a red light(most likely the driver drunk why else would they run) and it is the pedestrians fault?!?
your cracked.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 9:09pm):
Don't get behind the wheel if you can't be responsible and aware of your surroundings. It's that simple.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 9:15pm):
Its not about crossing the street, its about having a conscience, about someone hanging on to life by a thin thread due to someones careless driving and lack of compassion...how can you hit someone and drive away? what kind of animal is still out there driving the streets? We need to get this out there and focus on finding who did this...we need to make our streets safe.
Anonymous (March 12, 2007 @ 10:12pm):
To 2:40pm, That is true, but how many times have you seen a driver of a car to busy easting food, drinking coffee, looking for CD's or things in thier purse? Not to mention people putting on make-up or talking on their cell phones. The point is that there are to many people driving not focused on what they should be.
To 1:26pm. What a childish thing to say. To assume everyone who crosses the road with alcohol in their system deserves to be hit by a vehicle who then flees the scene, leads me to belive that you where the driver who did this.
Jana Frassetto (March 12, 2007 @ 11:20pm):
To 1:26- Would you be saying the same thing if it was your sibling, parent, friend, or anyone else you know? Alcohol or not, crossing the street when the car has a red light and the pedestrian has a walk sign is how the road system works. A person can look, see that the car has a red light, and walk. Alcohol or not, I highly, highly doubt these victims were playing "games." Who expects a car to run a red light? What is the point of having stop lights otherwise? 10:58 and 1:10 have it right.
Anonymous (March 13, 2007 @ 6:39am):
To 1:26 Your ridiculous assumptions lead me to agree with 10:28. Are you the fleeing driver? Or do you not have a drivers license that you did not know it is a crime to flee the scene of an accident? Hopefully you will never need to "play the stupid game" of having to cross an intersection on foot.
Anonymous (March 13, 2007 @ 6:45am):
Thank you to the witness who did stop his vehicle to render aid to Luke. We are grateful,you were so helpful. You should be proud of yourself. Again, thank you.
Jackie Peerenboom (March 13, 2007 @ 7:51am):
It is very hard to see my nephew Luke lying in a hospital bed in a coma, when the person whom hit him never even stopped to see if he was OK. Well, he is NOT OK. How can you live with this? You ran a red light!! Luke has constant family and friends by his side, praying for him to pull through this. Thank you to all whom are concerned and are praying for Luke. We need to find out who did this and see that it does not happen again. We appreciate all prayers!!
Anonymous (March 13, 2007 @ 8:12am):
Regardless if alcohol was involved, the person was on their phone, or if they were eating. THEY HIT SOMEONE with their vehicle and they didn't stop!! Apparently, the driver doesn't have a conscience. I don't know how they could live with themselves.
Anonymous (March 13, 2007 @ 9:47am):
On behalf of Luke's extended family we'd like to send our thanks out to a number of people. First, to the person who stopped to render aid, to Luke's friends who stayed by his side, to the quick response of the emergency crew, to the police dept for their investigation, to the caring hospital staff, and to all our friends and others for their thoughts, prayers, and support during this very difficult time.
As our families spend our days and nights focused on Luke, we're trying to maintain positive thoughts while hoping for the best possible outcome. We don't have the energy to waste negative thoughts on another person. We all realize that accidents happen and also know that people make mistakes. It's how we handle those mistakes that define the people we want to be, or person we actually become.
To the driver of the vehicle who left the scene, we believe you made a mistake, however, you now have a decision to make and that choice will define the person you are to become.
dp
Anonymous (March 13, 2007 @ 11:47am):
We appreciate all the positive thoughts, well wishes and support sent our way. We truly believe in miracles and hope to have the Luke we know and love back in our lives again.
Please continue to keep Luke, his family and friends in your prayers.
Hannah Van Oss (March 13, 2007 @ 8:59pm):
Reading these messages made me realize there are people out there without a heart. But I know my family, and we are defiantly not going to let a few inappropriate comments put us down. This makes me believe that Luke will make it through this, he is strong. We know that the love of family and friends will never give up on him. And to those who stopped and stayed at the scene to help him... "Thank you" will never be said enough for you to understand how grateful we truly are.
Cody Peerenboom (March 14, 2007 @ 1:56pm):
To all of you with positive thoughts: Thank you... all of you who are out there thinking on what we can do and for all of you who are hoping and believing in my brother. To the people who are questioning my brothers decision on crossing the street I have one thing to say... If we can't cross the streets on a walk sign when are we supposed to cross a street then? I also really appreciate the inhumanity of some of you people out there, my family is in a time of struggle and you have the nerve to say some of those terrible comments. Well to the rest of you thank you so much for being there for us.
Cody Peerenboom
Barbara Giles (March 14, 2007 @ 2:14pm):
My name is Barb, I am the Aunt of the people who stopped to try to help Luke. I want you to know they called me after 3:00 am very very upset & wishing they could of done more to help,Our family has been praying for Luke & his family ever sence then and we will continue to do so.
Anonymous (March 15, 2007 @ 5:14pm):
To Ms. Giles, please offer our thanks to your relatives. Just by stopping they showed what type of people they are. Their actions were kind and appreciated by all of our family. Thank you also for your prayers, you must be wonderful folks.
Bill Peerenboom
Mary Lou Peerenboom (March 15, 2007 @ 8:43pm):
To That Driver:
I am Luke Peerenboom's grandmother. Luke was the victim of your recent hit and run on Park and Regency on Friday, March 9th. I stand by his bed and hold his hand and tell him how much I love him, and how he needs to come back to us. It is very very difficult to see my precious grandson,who just a few days ago was so vitally alive be in this critical condition as the result of one person's decision to disregard a traffic control meant to keep this sort of tragedy from happening. You have forced this awful consequence of your actions upon our family, and you need to assume your responsibly for these actions.How is it possible for anyone to be so callous as not to be concerned with what you have done? Coming forth to accept your responsibility may well be the most difficult thing you will ever have to do.It will give us some peace of mind to know he was not struck down by an uncaring fellow human, who will not accept the needed responsibility for the pain and suffering inflected, but, believe me, it will also give you the peace of mind of not carrying this heavy guilt into your future.I guess we will have to wait to see which category you fit into. Please check with University of Wisconsin Hospital to contact us, I'm sure they can steer you in the right-in many ways-direction.
Barbara Giles (March 16, 2007 @ 11:50am):
My children Curt & Whitney stopped and helped Luke and they called around 2:30 a.m. I was so saden by what happen Curt & Whitney were so sad and crying so hard they wanted to help him more I am so proud of my two children for stopping and helping. My prayers go out to the family of Luke I will continue to say prayers God Bless your family.
Liz Collins
Anonymous (March 16, 2007 @ 8:15pm):
Dear Liz,
You have every right to be very proud of your children. You obviously raised some extremely caring and compassionate children; children that know the difference between doing the right thing and running away. We're grateful that Curt & Whitney realize how thankful we are for their help and concern. Luke is still in a coma and we continue to pray for a miracle. Please know that we appreciate you are keeping him in your prayers.
May God also bless your family.
Luke's family.
Anonymous (March 16, 2007 @ 8:58pm):
To Curt & Whitney: Our family would like to thank you for helping Luke. I'm sure it was not an easy thing for you to do. You should be proud of how you reacted in this type of situation. I think your character will take you far in life. Our wish for you is that those years will be long and happy. Maybe some day Luke will be able to thank you in person.
To Liz Collins: You have raised two wonderful people, you surely have a right to be proud of them. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Anonymous (March 17, 2007 @ 4:56am):
This is Curt Collins
Thank you to Lukes Family, I hope he turns out to be alright, it was the worst thing in the world that I have ever seen, and I wish I could have done more to help....I was a complete mess, I even called around hospitals at 4 in the morning to see if he was alright, they couldn't tell me anything, but reading this has given a bit of peace of mind-
I can't imagine what you are going through, I can't at all-but this also changed my life, changed how i look at life, and how i live mine, i thank god for everyday, and realize how fast things could change, i've seen it first hand-
Please keep me updated with the status of Luke, I hope that he will wake from his coma, My thoughts and prayers are with you...
Curt Collins
Anonymous (March 18, 2007 @ 9:25pm):
My heart goes out to Luke and his family. I hold you in my prayers daily since this tragedy. I do not konow you personally but do know one of Lukes uncles and know there are a lot of prayers for Lukes recovery. I now also say prayers of thanksgiving for Curt & Whitney for doing the "right thing" and if the driver of the van is reading, I pray that you too do the "right thing" by reproting yourself to the local police. You do not want to go through the rest of your life with this on your conscience. DO THE RIGHT THING PLEASE!
Anonymous (March 23, 2007 @ 10:48pm):
Luke is a lucky boy he has parents who love him with all their heart. Luke's mom & dad are wonderful people I had the privalage to meet them at the hospital, my father had brain surgery for the second time and we shared stories in the intensive care waiting room. I had to leave my mom after my dad got out of intensive care and Luke's parents had enough kindness to say they would watch out for her and if she needed anything she could ask them, what wonderful unselfish people you are. I pray for Luke and you every night, thank you for being special.
Brenda Hopkins
Anonymous (April 1, 2007 @ 7:31pm):
Unfortunately, a miracle was not to be. Luke passed away on March 31, after life-support was removed. His organs were donated so others might receive a miracle for their loved one.
He was surrounded by dozens of family and friends during his last hours. The care he received at UW-Hospital was the best he could have received any where. The staff was very compassionate to everyone who visited.
Thank you to all for your prayers and support during this difficult time.
Barbara Giles (April 2, 2007 @ 10:00am):
I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss you we will contine to pray for your family! God Bless all of you!
Anonymous (November 20, 2008 @ 12:15am):
Wow do we miss you Luke. Life just isn't the same without you here.
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