The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, a troupe of women between the ages of 50 and mid-70s, announced that members of their group were killed in the Christmas parade crash in Waukesha, Wis., on Sunday.
“The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies are [devastated] by this terrible [tragedy] with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade,” the dancing group shared in a Facebook post on Monday.
“Our group was doing what they loved, performing in front of crowds in a parade putting smiles on faces of all ages, filling them with joy and happiness. While performing the grannies enjoyed hearing the crowds cheers and applause which certainly brought smiles to their faces and warmed their hearts.”
The Dancing Grannies were present at the Waukesha Christmas parade when a suspect driving in an SUV plowed through participants, killing five people and injuring more than 40 others, according to The Washington Post.
“Our hearts are heavy at this most difficult time, as more information and updates become available it will be posted,” the statement said. “Please keep them their families, friends, the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies and everyone who lives have forever changed in your thoughts and prayers.”
This comes as a law enforcement official told the Post on Monday that suspect Darrell Brooks was fleeing another crime scene when the incident happened.
Authorities said that Brooks, 39, was at the scene of a reported knife fight and then allegedly fled the scene when police arrived.
Brooks was released from custody last Friday after a previous incident in which he was charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping, and battery, the Post noted.
In a statement, the Milwaukee Bucks joined others in expressing their condolences for the lives lost in the tragedy.