MILWAUKEE — 74-year-old Larry Markiewicz is described by friends as kind, considerate, energetic, and a perfect gentleman. He was a medic in the Vietnam War and an active member in Milwaukee's Amvets Post 60 for the past 30 years.
"He was always first one in, last one out. Always giving assistance," said the commander of the post, Jean Ruka.
In less than five seconds, Markiewicz's life that was spent giving back to others ended when police say a speeding driver in another car collided with him.
The Milwaukee Police Department is now investigating that crash that took place early Sunday morning.
Officials said the crash happened near 67th and Capitol around 12:05 a.m. One vehicle was speeding east on Capitol Drive when it crashed into a second vehicle. The collision caused the second vehicle to crash into a pole.
MPD said Markiewicz died at the scene.
The driver of the first vehicle got out of the car and fled the scene following the crash.
Markiewicz was driving on North 68th Street and the striking vehicle was traveling eastbound on West Capitol Drive. The victim approached flashing red lights, stopped, then drove through the intersection. His vehicle was about a car's length into the intersection when he was struck by the second speeding vehicle, according to the ME.
The second vehicle had several people inside who got out and ran away.
At the intersection of the crash pieces of glass and car parts are still littering the curb.
The veteran was set to be honored at an award ceremony that same day.
He never made it.
"He was to be recognized for his service to our organization and he was the only one who wasn't there," said Ruka. "I kept on looking over to the crowd present and he never came and he never called. He was missed. It's a void that should not have happened."
Post 60, where Markiewicz was the current Judge Advocate of the Post, said his death is a "terrible loss to all."
Ruka said to TMJ4 News, "[Larry] was the Chaplain at our meeting last Tuesday. He closed our meeting with the Lord's Prayer. Larry was one of the kindest, honest, and sincere person in our community. This is a loss to all of us."
Milwaukee Police are now investigating the crash and are asking anyone with information to contact MPD at 414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.
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