In a shocking turn of events, Cara Corder, a beloved member of the Bay View community and a talented artist, was struck by a car during a street racing incident in the early hours of Saturday morning. The incident has left the community reeling, but also united in their efforts to support Corder during her recovery.

A Devastating Collision, a Community in Shock

The Fateful Night

The evening began innocuously enough, with Corder and her friends enjoying a night out at the local bars and music venues. Little did they know that their evening would take a tragic turn. As Chris Schulist, the owner of The Wiggle Room and Vanguard, was locking up his bar around 2:30 a.m., he heard a commotion outside. A small crowd had gathered, frantically urging one another to call 911. Schulist soon realized that the object they were gathered around was not a sleeping bag, but his friend and Vanguard employee, Cara Corder.

The Aftermath

Corder had been struck by a car that was street racing on the 2900 block of South Kinnickinnic Avenue in the Bay View neighborhood. One of the vehicles involved had been stolen, and the cars continued driving after the collision. Milwaukee police are still searching for the suspects responsible for this devastating incident.

A Community in Shock

Schulist and Corder's other friends were left in a state of shock and disbelief. "We were trying to get her to say anything or say her name. She wasn't really saying anything," Schulist recounted to the Journal Sentinel. "It was just so frightening and shocking."

A Fundraising Effort Begins

Corder's friends quickly sprang into action, starting a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover her medical expenses and financial strain during her recovery. As of Monday, the fundraiser had already raised an impressive $68,000, with the page also providing updates on Corder's health. Sadly, she remains unconscious as she continues to fight for her life.

A Musician's Generous Donation

The incident occurred following an eventful weekend in the Bay View community, with musician Jack White playing a pop-up concert at Vanguard and the Cactus Club. Schulist, who is friends with White, revealed that the musician had met Corder and "they were all hanging out." In a gesture of support, White has since donated $15,000 to the GoFundMe page for Corder.

Corder's Passion for Art

While Corder has been described as a "Bay View bartender" in much of the coverage, Schulist emphasized that her true passion lies in the art she creates. Corder has exhibited her work at gallery nights in the past, and she works to support herself so that she can continue to pursue her artistic endeavors.

Calls for Traffic Calming Measures

Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, whose district includes Bay View, acknowledged the need for traffic calming measures in the area. She stated that measures have already been installed on nearby streets, but that the city is working with the public works department to explore potential improvements on Kinnickinnic Avenue, which is also a state highway.

A Dangerous Intersection

According to the Milwaukee Public Works Department, the intersection where the incident occurred sees around 7,000 vehicles pass through it each day, though it is not the busiest intersection on Kinnickinnic. The department has been in discussions with Dimitrijevic about traffic calming measures, even before the tragic events of Saturday morning.

A Community in Mourning, a Community in Action

As the Bay View community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, they have rallied together to support Corder and her family. Schulist described Corder as a "hilarious" person who makes others feel incredible, and Dimitrijevic expressed her deep concern for Corder, stating that she has been "thinking about her non-stop, and hoping she can heal."The community's efforts to support Corder, both through the GoFundMe fundraiser and the push for improved traffic safety measures, demonstrate the strength and resilience of this close-knit neighborhood. As Corder continues her fight for recovery, the Bay View community remains steadfast in their commitment to ensuring her well-being and honoring her as the talented artist and beloved member of their community that she is.