Family mourns father of 3 killed in alleged drunk driving hit-and-run in Watertown, community raising funds to support
WATERTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) – The loved ones of a 35-year-old man killed in an alleged drunk driving hit-and-run crash will be mourning this Christmas.
Cole Strobusch
Family members of Cole Strobusch say he was a devoted husband and father of 3 young children: a 6-year-old, a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old.
Joseph Newton, Strobusch’s nephew, said he was a wonderful father and life of the party.
“For as long as I can remember, he’s always been my best friend,” Newton said. “Words can not describe how much he loves these kids, and his wife.”
According to the latest update from the Watertown Police Department, Strobusch was hit around 12:40 a.m. on Main Street. He died from his injuries.
Police say the registered owner of the pickup truck that hit Strohbusch in the crash, a 54-year-old man, was later found at his home. He has been arrested and charged with Homicide by Intoxicated Use of a Vehicle and Hit and Run Causing Death.
Megan Strohbusch, Cole Strobusch’s wife, says she is filled with gratitude for the people reaching out asking to support her family during this difficult time.
“The kids and I will just miss their dad, dearly,” Megan Strohbusch said. “I feel loved. I did not know this many people actually cared about Cole and I, and our children, and the rest of the family. So, that feels great.”
For those who wish to do so, donations may be dropped off at the following locations:
Sips on Main
313 E. Main Street, Watertown
Hours this week: Monday–Wednesday, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM
Accepted: Cash, check, Venmo
The Bridge Nutrition
134 E. Madison Street, Waterloo
Hours this week:
• Monday–Wednesday, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM
• Tuesday evening, 4:00–7:00 PM
Donations can also be sent on Venmo to @Megan-Strohbusch
DJ Dorn, the owner of The Bridge Nutrition, says she’s known Megan Strobusch since they played softball together when they were young. She said Cole Strobusch was an active father, who even coached youth sports in the area.
“I found out and instantly was just like heartbroken,” Dorn said. “It’s never a good time to lose someone, but definitely around the holidays, when it’s supposed to be happy and joyous and all of that, just trying to really trying to spirit up for them.”
Her business has already received donations of Christmas toys and financial donations for the family.
“It gives me hope,” Newton said. It makes me happy knowing there are people who want to help families in need. We are a family in need.”
Police say the case remains active and open.