"Maybe people can learn from this:" Impaired driver kills 30-year-old mother of three

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- While many were out celebrating with loved ones during the holiday, one local family was mourning. A Milwaukee mother of 3 died in a horrible crash early Thanksgiving morning.

"She was a very good mom, she was great, always had a smile on her face," said Danyel Brost, Sheri's cousin.

Right now, Brost is just thankful for memories.

"We had great times, just a lot of great times," said Brost.

On a day meant for family togetherness, she never imagined she would lose her cousin forever.

"I got the phone call about 5 a.m. and it was heart wrenching, it just ripped me to pieces," said Brost.

Authorities say 30-year-old Sheri Klever died in a horrific crash in the 6900 block of N. 91st Street. The SUV she was in left the road, struck a metal light pole and two trees, causing it to roll.

Klever was partially ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Her longtime boyfriend and father of her 3 children was allegedly the driver. This all happened just a few blocks from the home they shared.

"It hit home for sure," Brost said.

Oddly enough, Brost says the pair was coming home from a memorial for a friend who died in a car accident. Now a memorial rests on a cold median in Klever's honor -- meanwhile, Brost wants to blanket the victim's kids with love.

"I instantly was worried about the kids. She's got a month and a half old son, 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old daughter. This is really going to be painful for them. They loved their mom and she was a wonderful mom, they are going to be devastated," said Brost.

The children's father was taken into police custody. Police say the driver showed signs of impairment.

"Drinking and driving isn't safe and it has to stop. Maybe people can learn from this," said Brost.

The driver was arrested and a charging of recommendation of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle, and operating after revocation -- causing death is being forwarded to the DA's office.

Milwaukee police say the suspect has a revoked driver's license and a prior conviction for operating while intoxicated.

There has been a memorial fund set up in honor of the mother of 3 at U.S. Bank.