Griebel family makes statement, negative comments painful to children

MILWAUKEE (WITI) --  The Griebel's were killed in a tragic car crash last month leaving five children behind. The family says following the release of the accident report, their children are facing more heart ache, this time, from nasty comments.

Early Friday morning on April 25th, 37-year-old Joshua and 38-year-old Monica Griebel were killed in a one car accident on highway 164 in the Village of Richfield.

The family says it was a date night for the couple of five children, ranging in age from 16 months to 13-years-old.

Joshua's sister and brother-in-law, who have two children, care for the five Griebel children as their own. Immediately, community support was tremendous -- and the healing process began.

Then the accident report came out last Friday that said Joshua and Monica were well above the legal alcohol limit for driving.

In a statement written from the family, it says, " The negative comments (since) made about Josh and Monica from people who didn't know them have been painful and have affected their children and will continue to do so."

They say the two were "loving, caring, giving parents that did everything for their children... From camping, skiing, and traveling to boating and fishing."

They also say Monica and Josh were both incredible parents and that the accident doesn't define who they were.

And, it is the children who are most important now.

They say the children are not orphans as some refer to them.

The family acknowledges that the support and prayers from the community far surpass the comments of those who feel the need to judge Josh and Monica for this terrible mistake that took both of their lives.

There have been several events and fundraisers set up to support the Greibel children. Another fundraiser will take place Saturday, May 31st at Sterling Chalet in Hubertus. There will be food, games, music, and a silent auction.