Tragedy on Kinnickinnic: Bartender's Harrowing Ordeal Sparks Calls for Safer Streets

2024-10-28

In a shocking incident that has shaken the close-knit community of Bay View, a beloved bartender is fighting for her life after being struck by racing vehicles while crossing a city street. The tragic event has ignited a renewed call for comprehensive traffic safety measures to protect pedestrians and curb the growing problem of reckless driving in the area.

Confronting the Harsh Realities of Unsafe Streets

A Bartender's Unimaginable Ordeal

Cara Corder, a fixture behind the bar at the popular Vanguard establishment in Bay View, was the victim of a horrific accident in the early hours of October 26th. As she was crossing the intersection of Kinnickinnic and Rusk Avenues, Corder was struck by two racing vehicles, leaving her in critical condition. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with Corder's work family rallying to support her during this harrowing time.

According to Milwaukee police, the accident occurred around 2 a.m. as Corder was making her way home from work. Surveillance footage obtained by FOX6 News appears to show the two vehicles involved in the incident fleeing the scene, leaving the bartender severely injured in the middle of the street. Corder was rushed to the hospital, where she continues to fight for her life, her loved ones by her side.

"We were trying to get her to grip our hand, and she was just making noises," recounted Chris Schulist, the owner of Vanguard and Wiggle Room, where Corder was a beloved member of the staff. Schulist described the harrowing scene, recalling how he initially mistook Corder's motionless body for a "sleeping bag" in the middle of the road.

A Neighborhood in Distress

The tragedy has shone a spotlight on the ongoing issue of reckless driving and traffic safety concerns in the Kinnickinnic Avenue corridor. Neighbors have long expressed their frustrations with the dangerous conditions, describing the area as a virtual "anarchy" after certain hours of the night.

"This street is kind of anarchy after a certain hour," lamented Bryin Redd, a local resident who heard the crash from his home. Redd noted that it took a concerning amount of time for first responders to arrive on the scene, with Corder potentially lying injured for as long as 30 minutes before help arrived.

The lack of effective traffic control measures has been a persistent problem in the area, with Schulist and other community members calling for more robust solutions. "We need something here. A stop sign isn't going to matter at this point. It could help. Speed bumps," Redd suggested, highlighting the need for comprehensive traffic calming strategies to address the issue.

A Renewed Call for Action

The tragedy has sparked a renewed sense of urgency among local officials and community leaders to address the pressing concerns surrounding traffic safety in the Kinnickinnic Avenue corridor. Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic has pledged to work closely with the Milwaukee Police Department to increase patrols in the area and conduct a thorough analysis of the roadway.

"Let me be clear. For an employee, resident or any pedestrian trying to cross a street and their life be endangered is absolutely unacceptable. We can and must do better in our city," Dimitrijevic stated in a Facebook post, echoing the sentiments of a community that is determined to see meaningful change.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus has shifted to finding the suspects responsible for the hit-and-run and implementing long-term solutions to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. With Cara Corder's recovery at the forefront of everyone's minds, the Bay View community is rallying together to support her and demand safer streets for all.

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