A woman believes her mother’s death near a bus stop during dangerously cold conditions could have been prevented.
49-year-old Jolene Waldref was on her way home from work when she slipped on ice and did not get up. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office said the cause of death is pending but they are investigating it as probable hypothermia.
“As soon as I got the call I dropped to my knees. I wailed,” Jolene’s daughter, Kevina Waldref said.
Jolene fell near her bus stop at 76th Street and Congress Street in Milwaukee. Her car had broken down so she relied on the bus for transportation from her home in South Milwaukee.
The medical examiner’s report says video footage showed Jolene hit a gate before becoming unconscious.
A close friend who organized a GoFundMe account to help the family said Jolene was found an hour and a half later.
“Whoever you are who found my mom, thank you for stopping, because you didn’t have to do that. It’s crazy how many people just walked past her like she was nothing,” Kevina said through tears.