Two longtime friends were killed in a tragic hit-and-run crash in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after they were struck by a speeding SUV while crossing the street together. Police believe the driver fled the scene immediately after the collision and are continuing to search for the suspect.
Crash Happened Late Sunday Night
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on July 12 along Teutonia Avenue near Vienna Avenue in Milwaukee.
According to investigators, 49-year-old Amy Austin and 48-year-old May Daiber were crossing the street when they were hit by a speeding black SUV. Both women suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Authorities said the driver did not stop after the crash and fled the area.
Witness Describes Final Moments
A witness who saw the collision told local media that the two women appeared to be enjoying their evening just moments before the crash.
David Young said he watched Austin and Daiber crossing the street while holding hands.
He recalled that they looked happy as they reached the middle of the roadway before a black SUV suddenly entered his field of vision and struck both women without slowing down.
According to the witness, the vehicle showed no signs of braking before the impact.
Police Believe Driver Was Speeding
Milwaukee police said the suspect was driving a black GMC Yukon believed to be from the 2007 through 2014 model years.
Investigators believe the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit the victims.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated that the SUV’s driver may have been racing another vehicle at the time of the deadly collision.
Police have not announced any arrests and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Vehicle Description Released
Authorities are asking the public to help locate the suspect vehicle.
Police said the black GMC Yukon is expected to have significant front-end damage, including:
- Damage to the front grille
- Front bumper damage
- Damage to the passenger-side headlight
- Missing front “GMC” grille emblem
Anyone with information about the SUV or its driver is urged to contact Milwaukee police.
Victims Remembered as Close Friends
Austin and Daiber had been close friends for many years and regularly played pool together, according to friends and family.
Their sudden deaths have left loved ones devastated.
Fundraising pages created to support both families describe the tragedy as senseless and heartbreaking.
One fundraiser for Austin’s family stated that the women were simply crossing the street during a night out in Milwaukee when they were struck by a black SUV whose driver allegedly fled after racing another vehicle.
A separate fundraiser for Daiber’s family said losing both women in such a tragic manner has deeply affected everyone who knew and loved them.
Friend Urges Driver to Surrender
Family friend Reggie Stephens appealed directly to the person responsible for the crash, urging them to come forward and accept responsibility.
Stephens said he could not imagine living with the knowledge of causing such a tragedy and encouraged the driver to turn themselves in.
Investigation Continues
Milwaukee police continue searching for the driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the damaged black GMC Yukon to contact law enforcement as they work to identify and locate the person responsible.
The deaths of Amy Austin and May Daiber have shocked the Milwaukee community, with friends and family remembering the two women for their close friendship and the joyful moments they shared together before the tragic collision.
