39-year-old pedestrian hit and killed by semi in Milwaukee's Third Ward

Updated: Aug. 13, 2025

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The victim was identified by the medical examiner's office Wednesday as 39-year-old Jane Ewing of Michigan.

Published: Aug. 12, 2025

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Police Department says a person is dead after they were hit and killed by a semi-truck in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

“It’s not something that you want to see or expect to see,” said Elliot Hatch, who witnessed the incident.

Hatch says he was working in his office in the Third Ward, when suddenly he heard a scream.

“Well we were sitting up at our office, heard kind of a thump and a high-pitched noise, which I thought was just wind coming through the window," said Hatch. "Rush over there and there was obviously someone screaming.”

MPD says just after 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, a person was walking across the street along the corner of N. Broadway and St. Paul, when they were hit by a semi-truck making a turn.

“Unfortunately it’s just a fairly common occurrence these days in Milwaukee," said Hatch. "I mean a lot of cities, but you see it here pretty often.”

Something people who frequent the area echo.

“There’s so much going on," said Katie Wiltermuth, who was visiting the Third Ward. "It’s crazy busy.”

The intersection sees steady traffic from pedestrians, scooters, bikes, cars and even The Hop.

“Scooters, I mean you’re technically supposed to be riding on the road, but I’ve kind of felt a need to ride on the sidewalk, and even then you know, traffic can be a little hectic," said Dexter Schumacher, who was visiting the Third Ward. "I definitely check before I go moving anywhere, because you know, there could just be somebody speeding by.”

They say extra safety measures would ease their worries.

“I just think maybe if there’s a few patrolmen walking around, people might go a little slower," said Wiltermuth. "As long as people drive slow, I think everybody’s good."

MPD says the driver of the semi stayed on scene and cooperated. The incident will be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.