'He got love everywhere': Family identifies man in wheelchair hit, killed by car near 12th and Atkinson

Updated: 4:30 p.m. on July 15, 2026

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Loved ones identified the man hit and killed by a driver Tuesday as 70-year-old William Rowsey, also known as "Winky." 

William Rowsey Family

Rowsey's niece, Sherena, told CBS 58 her uncle had "love everywhere." 

"Everyone's trying to take it easy but it's just not going well, it don't sit well with everybody at the moment," Rowsey said. "Every time I see him -- 'hey niece, how you doing?' Hey Unc, giving him money, making sure he got some food."

Milwaukee police say a driver was heading east on W. Atkinson Avenue when they hit Rowsey, who was crossing the street in his wheelchair. 

Family and friends held a candlelit vigil and balloon release on Wednesday night in his honor.

"He just a good person, everyone had love for him, you know? He was Winky," Rowsey said. "He was always around here in his wheelchair; you couldn't tell him nothing."

Kirsten Hughes is Rowsey's daughter and was at the vigil on Wednesday night. 

"People think Winky was a street guy, but he didn't have to be on the streets, that's where he wanted to be," Hughes said. "He touched so many lives."

Police say the driver stayed on scene and was taken into custody. 

Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. 

Updated: 5:30 a.m. on July 15, 2026:

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 70-year-old pedestrian died Tuesday night, July 14, after being struck by a car while crossing the street near 12th and Atkinson, according to Milwaukee police.

Police say the car was traveling east around 9:25 p.m. when it hit the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained on scene and was taken into custody.

Charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone who may have seen the crash or who has information is asked to call Milwaukee police at (414) 935-7360. Anonymous tips are welcome by calling Crime Stoppers anonymously at (414) 224-8477 or by using the P3 Tips online service.

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County medical examiner has been called to a death near 12th and Atkinson Tuesday night. 

Milwaukee police responded to the area for a reported crash. 

This is a developing story. CBS 58 has a crew at the scene working to learn more.