Mequon firefighter ID'd as good Samaritan injured at crash scene; fundraiser started

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Mequon firefighter is recovering after a dangerous crash two days before Christmas.

It happened on 894 near National Avenue last Friday.

Officials say two cars crashed and another car stopped to help. Seconds later, a fourth car hit the good Samaritan and a driver.

One woman was killed, identified by family as 32-year-old Xuan Nguyen Rollmann, and the good Samaritan, identified as Mequon firefighter Josh Lipp, was seriously injured.

On Monday, one of the first drivers on the scene spoke with CBS 58 about what happened.

Jolene Reit said she was one of the first cars involved.

Another car hit her near an exit around 9 a.m. Friday, and they both pulled over.

"I just felt like she rolled over some ice," Reit said.

After Josh Lipp stopped to help, a fourth car sped towards the scene.

"It wasn't spinning. I don't know if he was trying to press his brakes. It just went straight to them," Reit said.

That car hit Lipp and the other driver, who was standing outside her vehicle.

"Their bodies flew in the air over the wall, and they just landed," Reit said.

According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the woman who was hit died.

Officials haven't released her name, but Reit wants to connect with her family.

"The least I can do is just let the family know she wasn't speeding," Reit said. "And just give them a hug."

Meanwhile, Lipp was seriously injured.

"He has a broken back, a couple broken vertebrae, broken ribs, a lacerated liver, and some injuries to his hand," said Chief David Bialk with the Mequon Fire Department.

Lipp's fellow firefighters have been in constant contact with him since the crash.

While it will be a long road to recovery, Lipp will be okay.

"He told me this morning they actually got him out of bed, took him for a small walk. He was very excited about that," Bialk said.

Chief Bialk wasn't surprised to hear Lipp stopped to help someone while off-duty. He has worked for the Mequon Fire Department since 2009.

"Josh wouldn't call himself a hero. Josh was just out doing what he does. He helps people all the time," Bialk said.

Lipp's brother, Mickey Lipp, shared this statement with CBS 58:

"Josh is the best person I have ever known. During Covid, he was risking his life to take care of people. He is fearless, and has rescued/helped so many people, we are so proud of him."

The Professional Firefighters Association of Wisconsin set up a donation page for Lipp, which has garnered more than 550 donations.

The driver who hit both victims was arrested for driving with a suspended license. MCSO has not confirmed charges at this time.