SAUKVILLE — A 74-year-old driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake while parking at a Saukville Walmart on Sunday morning, fatally striking Mailee Hang as she loaded groceries into her car, according to Saukville police.
Watch: Woman killed in Saukville Walmart parking lot remembered as 'heart of the family'
Hang's family identified her as the victim in emotional social media tributes, calling her "the heart of her family" and "a remarkable woman."
Born in Laos, Hang came to the United States with her parents who fled civil war and unrest in the 1970s, seeking a better life abroad. She had four children and a large family spread across Wisconsin and Michigan.
Her sister, Michigan House Representative Mai Xiong, said Hang worked full time but remained a devoted mother who cared deeply about her Hmong heritage.
"She lived her life fully, unapologetically, and with so much passion and enthusiasm," Xiong said.
Witness Jeff Ferreira watched the accident happen and described the community response.
"It shakes you up," Ferreira said.
Police say the elderly driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brake while pulling into a parking spot, accelerating into a walkway and striking Hang. Bystanders, including a doctor who was inside the store, immediately came to render aid.
"Those people are the heroes of the story," Ferreira said. "Ozaukee's a great community. Everyone banded together."
A GoFundMe campaign started by Hang's four children has already raised more than $16,000. The driver is cooperating with police, and no arrests have been made.
Hang's sister declined an interview request, citing the ongoing investigation.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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