In wake of fatal motorcycle crash, group of breast cancer survivors helps injured friend

WALWORTH COUNTY -- A group of breast cancer survivors is banding together to help a friend injured in a motorcycle crash. That woman is in critical condition -- her husband died on the scene.

"We had talked many, many times that we needed to get together and do a ride together," said Michelle Luckiesh, a friend of Trea Pearson.

Luckiesh and her friend Trea Pearson share more than a love of the open road.

"She and I are both sisters in breast cancer as survivors," said Luckiesh.

The women met through Team Phoenix...

"Where breast cancer survivors come together to train for triathlons," said Luckiesh.

Trea & Andrew Pearson

Always there to cheer Pearson on was her husband, Andrew.

"He was a wonderful teddy bear of a man. He hugged everybody. He encouraged us always. You could tell that they absolutely adored and loved each other," said Luckiesh.

But the inseparable couple was torn apart on Saturday afternoon, September 12th in East Troy. That's where police say an SUV crossed the center line on Highway 20 -- and hit two motorcycles.

Walworth County crash

The Pearsons were on one bike -- their good friend, Jeffrey Marker, on the other. Marker is now in a rehab facility with serious injuries. Andrew Pearson died on the scene. Trea Pearson is in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital.

Andre Carroll

A criminal complaint says 19-year-old Andre Carroll had been partying the night before. Police say he admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana. He got up early to drive from Madison to Whitewater. At the time of the crash, he was headed back to Milwaukee. Carroll told police he fell asleep at the wheel. He did not have a driver's license.

A fund for medical bills has been set up in Trea Pearson's name. If she does recover, the road ahead will be rough. Donations can be made at the US Bank – Bay Shore Office Branch at 5888 N. Port Washington Road in Glendale in a fund named for Antrea Pearson. By Thursday, donations can be made at any US Bank Branch.

A Go Fund Me page for the Pearsons and Marker has also been created. CLICK HERE to visit that site.

"The Phoenix kind of represents coming from the ashes and rebirth -- and I think that's what our Team Phoenix is going to do to help support Trea," said Luckiesh.

FOX6 News is told the Pearsons were very involved in cancer fundraising as well. A recent event they organized raised more than $8,000.