'People are good': Family of woman killed in 894 crash coping, grateful for firefighter on scene

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Family has identified the woman killed in a crash on 894 Friday, Dec. 23 as Xuan Nguyen Rollmann.

Rollmann was one of the first cars involved in Friday's crash on I-894 near National Avenue.

While standing outside her car checking the aftermath, Rollmann was hit and killed by another vehicle.

Now, a large family is grieving the loss of the mother of two.

"She was funny and happy and ambitious, and had a high energy," said Rollmann's mother-in-law, Janet Popelka.

Popelka describes her daughter-in-law as beautiful, inside and out.

Rollmann, who family called "Mimi," was on her way to work at a Brookfield nail salon at the time of the crash.

"It was Friday morning right before the holiday, a busy day for the salon. It never dawned on her she could stay home because the weather was so bad," Popelka said.

Rollmann lost control, hitting another car. Off-duty Mequon firefighter Josh Lipp pulled over to help her and the other driver.

"He didn't even have to stop the car. He got out and wanted to help," Popelka said.

Seconds later, Rollmann and Lipp were hit. Rollmann died at the scene. Lipp is hospitalized with serious injuries.

Though Rollmann's family is in pain, it brings them comfort she wasn't alone.

"People are good, and I'm so glad that there were people there - I don't know if they could do anything - but I'm glad they were there with her," Popelka said.

Rollmann's mother-in-law wants to meet Lipp and the other driver someday.

"Maybe have a picnic here, and just get to know them a little. Thank them," Popelka said. "Let's just focus on all the wonderful things people have done to help in response."

A GoFundMe for Rollmann's family has raised almost $14,000 in donations.

The next big step is to fly her parents in from Vietnam to attend her funeral.