Friends remember Carlie Beaudin 'for her smile and the happiness she brought into the room'
Carlie Beaudin
MILWAUKEE -- Family and friends will soon say goodbye to a nurse practitioner killed at Froedtert Hospital. The suspect is in custody -- and a criminal investigation was in its infancy as of Thursday, Jan. 31, but friends of Carlie Beaudin were working to do anything they could to make sure she's not forgotten.
A few photos can take you back to a high school dance, a joyous wedding and a happy reunion. They are moments most would gladly relive again.
"I wish people could remember her for her smile and the happiness she brought into the room -- not this horrible tragedy," said Cathryn White, a close friend of Carlie Beaudin. "We saw each other over Christmas break."
Friends with Carlie Beaudin
Beaudin was the victim of a brutal attack inside a Froedtert Hospital parking structure Friday, Jan. 25. Her life was cut short at the age of 33. She's been described as a respected nurse practitioner, a caring wife and a great friend.
"Carlie and I were actually getting ready to be bridesmaids at our friend's wedding," White said.
Friends with Carlie Beaudin
Beaudin was being remembered as a gifted singer. Her friends said animals were very close to her heart.
"If she saw a stray or any animal, she would always go out of her way to help them," White said.
White said the Beaudin family dog was feeling the loss.
"It's been really hard on him with her being gone. The first few days were just Baloo looking at the door and wondering where this person was," White said.
As family and friends prepared for Beaudin's funeral, a few classmates from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School put together something to celebrate Carlie's love for animals -- a fundraiser in her memory for the Wisconsin Humane Society. In two days, more than $13,000 was raised for the cause.
"I know she would be shocked and thrilled," White said.
It shows the impact Beaudin had not just with her family and friends, but in her community.
"I think it's just a testament on how many people loved Carlie," White said.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Wisconsin Humane Society memorial fund for Carlie Beaudin.
Response at Froedtert Hospital
Since the death of Carlie Beaudin, Froedtert & MCW Froedtert Hospital staff have been invited to attend listening sessions to share their thoughts, questions, and concerns with leaders. Officials tell FOX6 News they have instituted extra precautions to enhance safety. Among those measures are:
Officials say four full-time Milwaukee County deputies are on the MRMC campus at all times.
A hospital spokesperson said, "We remain vigilant about the emotional and physical safety of every person who works or studies at, is cared for by, or visits our campuses, clinics and hospitals. Safety is our top priority. While we have made security enhancements, and we will continue to make improvements."
Meanwhile, the staff at Froedtert is finding ways to express their grief and show their love and support in this time of sorrow. That includes the following:
Kenneth Freeman, 27, faces one count of first-degree intentional homicide in connection with Carlie Beaudin's death. Prosecutors said he attacked her early that Friday morning as she walked toward her vehicle in the parking structure -- stomping and kicking her in the head and neck as surveillance cameras rolled. She was found underneath her own vehicle, in another parking structure. She was taken to the emergency room, where she died.