Family members mourn Uber driver, passenger killed in crash as firefighter awaits homicide charges
WEST ALLIS -- FOX6 News is learning more about the 64-year-old and 38-year-old men killed in a crash near 60th and Pierce in West Allis on Monday, April 4th. This, as homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle charges are pending against a Milwaukee firefighter.
The 31-year-old Milwaukee firefighter remains in custody -- on $120,000 bail, according to Milwaukee County Jail records.
He has not yet been officially charged. That could happen as soon as Friday, April 8th.
Officials with the Milwaukee Fire Department issued this statement on Wednesday, April 6th:
The Milwaukee Fire Department has been informed by the West Allis Police Department that an off-duty Milwaukee firefighter was arrested and is in custody for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. This individual is being referred to the District Attorney’s Office for charges.
The Milwaukee Fire Department is taking this matter very seriously, and is conducting an internal investigation.
Two killed in crash at 60th and Pierce in West Allis
The crash happened on Monday, April 4th, just after 5:00 p.m. near 60th and Pierce -- and involved three vehicles -- a pickup truck, a car and a minivan.
Police said a preliminary investigation revealed the pickup truck was traveling southbound on S. 60th St. and struck the minivan as it made a left hand turn. The pickup truck and minivan traveled into oncoming traffic and impacted the northbound car.
The driver and the passenger of the minivan passed away as a result of the crash.
A passenger in the pickup truck and the driver of the car sustained apparent non-life threatening injures and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
The two people killed in the crash have been identified as 64-year-old Yoruba Sly-Lundasi of Milwaukee (the driver of the minivan) and 38-year-old Wendell Johnson of Chicago (a passenger in the minivan).
Yoruba Sly-Lundasi
Four days after the crash, on Thursday, April 7th, balloons placed by Sly-Lundasi's daughter remained at the scene.
"He's going to be greatly missed. Greatly missed," Tavaree Sly-Lundasi, Yoruba's daughter said. "At least he didn't suffer, though. That I am happy for. Knowing this is where my dad spent his last...whatever it was in that vehicle before he was released to God..."
Tavaree Sly-Lundasi
Tavaree Sly-Lundasi took a piece of her father's minivan from the scene.
"This was my daddy's. It's part of his van. It ain't going to bring him back, but it's something I want to take from here," Sly-Lundasi said.
Yoruba Sly-Lundasi was an Uber driver.
A company spokesperson released a statement saying:
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of our driver-partner and rider. Our hearts go out to both of the victims' families during this incredibly difficult time."
Wendell "Ken" Johnson
38-year-old Wendell Johnson from Chicago -- known as "Ken" by family members and friends.
His employer, KPMG released the following statement to FOX6 News:
"KPMG is devastated by the tragic loss of our colleague, Ken Johnson, on Monday, April 4th, 2016.
Ken had a deep passion for his work and loved our Chicago office and being a member of the national Risk Consulting practice. He was not only a respected colleague, but a friend to many of us. He will be dearly missed."
The pickup truck was driven by the 31-year-old off-duty Milwaukee firefighter.
His passenger was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The firefighter was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, and police said speed was also a factor in the crash.
"Everybody has to answer for whatever actions they take in life," Tavaree Sly-Lundasi said.
Two killed in crash at 60th and Pierce in West Allis
Sly-Lundasi said her family is feeling lost as they plan her father's funeral, and possibly a vigil this weekend to remember him.
Two killed in crash at 60th and Pierce in West Allis