The holiday cheer turned into tragedy in Waukesha after an SUV plowed through a crowd during the Christmas Parade. Five people died at the scene, and the sixth victim, 8-year-old Jackson Spark, died at hospital due to the severity of the injuries he sustained. Four of the people who lost their lives were members of the amateur dance group “Milwaukee Dancing Grannies.”
It has been reported that the number of people who were injured is around 60. Thirteen of them are children, and six remain in critical condition.
The person charged for this utterly tragic incident is registered sex offender Darrell Brooks, 39, who was released from jail November 11 on $1,000 bail shortly before the Waukesha tragedy took place. The motive remains a mystery.
A 6th person has died in the #Waukesha massacre. 8-year-old Jackson Sparks died in hospital. Nearly 50 others were injured when Darrell Brooks, a registered sex offender out on bail on other offenses, allegedly rammed his car through the Christmas parade. https://t.co/FzSxZr7HpH
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) November 23, 2021
And as the entire country mourns the loss of those who were mercilessly killed, one special man is stepping in for the grieving families.
J.J. Watt, defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals, offered to cover all the costs related to the funerals.
“J.J. Watt is covering the funeral costs for everyone that lost their life in the Waukesha Christmas Parade,” journalist Cory Jennerjohn wrote on Twitter. “That is an amazing gesture. He has such a huge heart.”
J.J. Watt is covering the funeral costs for everyone that lost their life in the Waukesha Christmas Parade. That is an amazing gesture. He has such a huge heart.
— Cory Jennerjohn (@CoryJennerjohn) November 23, 2021
This, however, is not the first time for Watt to offer his kindness to someone in need. He’s known for his heart of gold and his selfless nature. In 2017, he managed to raise $37 million for those affected by the Hurricane Harvey. With his 32 years, he’s doing all in his power to be the change he wants to see in the world.
“Everything that you do on the field [pales] in comparison to what you do off the field,” he said. “And at the end of my life, if I’m remembered as a football player, and a good football player, and that’s all I’m remembered for, then I did a poor job in my life.”
Just now seeing what happened at the holiday parade back home in Waukesha tonight.
Horrific images.
Truly hoping everyone is going to be ok and those not involved are now safe.
Thankful to everyone who rushed to action and helped the wounded.
🙏🏼
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 22, 2021
After the Waukesha tragedy, Watt took to Twitter to express his sorrow and offer condolences.
“Just now seeing what happened at the holiday parade back home in Waukesha tonight,” he wrote. “Horrific images. Truly hoping everyone is going to be ok and those not involved are now safe. Thankful to everyone who rushed to action and helped the wounded.”
Thank you Watt for everything you do. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We pray for the injured to recover as soon as possible.