Tragic Death of South Milwaukee Woman Sparks Outrage and Raises Questions

A bystander found Jolene Waldref, a 49-year-old mother of two from South Milwaukee, lying in the snow at a bus stop, not breathing, after a private ambulance crew had driven past without seeing her. The crew later blamed snowbanks, an electrical box, and darkness for not spotting her. Questions have been raised about why the bystander could see Waldref but the EMTs in the ambulance could not. The president of Curtis Ambulance stated that the EMTs interviewed "did their due diligence," but the bystander believes they should have properly checked the intersection, especially in freezing temperatures. Experts suggest that first responders should use all senses to find a patient, especially in extreme weather conditions.