A 49-year-old woman is dead after police say she slipped and fell at a bus stop then became unconscious on January 15th.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner says Jolene Waldref was found unresponsive and face down in a snow bank near North 76th Street and West Congress Street. They say security camera video from a nearby business shows Waldref slipping on ice and then hitting her face on a gate.
When Milwaukee Fire crews arrived they said Waldref's phone was unlocked, and they found that she had tried to call 911. Documents from the Medical Examiner indicate Waldref was found by a stranger.
First responders tried to save Waldref's life using epinephrine injections, CPR and other methods. She was pronounced dead just after 6PM.
A cause of death has not been released, but the Medical Examiner's report shows that Waldref had bruising to her face and neck. Authorities say Waldref likely died from hypothermia.
TMJ4's Mary Jo Ola spoke to Waldref's supervisor, Deborah Johnson, who says she was leaving work when she fell. Johnson says staff became concerned when Waldref didn't show up to work the following day, as she always communicated if she was running behind.
"It's not going to be the same without her," Johnson said.
Waldref worked as a caregiver with Life Touches Home Healthcare in Milwaukee for several years before moving to an office role. Johnson added that as a small business the team was like a family.
"She was a hard worker, dependable, trustworthy. She laughed. She loved jokes," Johnson shared.
Waldref has two daughters, who lost their father a few months ago.
If you'd like to help Waldref's family with funeral costs, you can donate to this GoFundMe.
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