WAUWATOSA — Several Wauwatosa West High School students survived a serious car crash in Adams County last month.
According to a Facebook post from the Adams County Sheriff's Office, a van carrying seven people didn't stop at a stop sign and got hit by a semi truck. Five were taken by Flight for Life, and two others were driven to the hospital.
"On December 22, five of our boys and two of their friends were in an accident," said Wauwatosa swim coach Heidi Hegwood.
Thursday was the first meet without the five teammates.
"All of the boys are now home last I have heard," Hegwood said.
"I feel like the team is overall staying strong, we're staying positive, and just looking on the brighter side with everything," said team captain Tommy Schmitt.
Coach Hegwood isn't sure all of the five will return to the pool this season, but she's making sure they still feel part of the team. They've made signs and hosted a bake sale at Thursday's meet.
Hegwood also started a GoFundMe to help with medical costs. So far it's raised more than $23,000 of its $70,000 goal.
"It's really been a moment for us to bond together," Hegwood said. "Our team goal every year is to compete as team inside of the pool and outside of the pool, and really become a family, and that's really what this, we've been working towards, and the accident has really brought us together."
The Adams County Sheriff's Office has identified the driver as 18-year-old Damien D. Gauthier-Gascho, and the office is requesting a reckless driving causing injury charge with the district attorney. The office says toxicology results are pending.
