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Tucker and Jackson Sparks: Brothers injured in Waukesha tragedy get $130K in donations

Tucker and Jackson Sparks, aged 12 and 8, were two of the youngsters gravely injured in the Waukesha tragedy that also killed 4 females and one male

Children were among the victims of the massacre that took place when an SUV plowed through the crowd at a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing five and injuring 48 people. Two of these youngsters, gravely injured due to the incident, were Tucker and Jackson Sparks. 

Darrell Brooks Jr, 39, was initially named as a person of interest when he was taken into custody by law enforcement authorities Sunday after his identification was found in the red SUV responsible for the Waukesha tragedy. Brooks will be charged with five counts of first-degree intentional homicide when he makes a court appearance Tuesday, November 23, law enforcement said. Some social media users have identified Brooks as an amateur rapper who goes by the name MathBoi Fly. He has a decades-long criminal record that includes arrests for sexual abuse, drugs, battery, and domestic abuse, records showed.

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GoFundMe page for Aaron and Sheri Sparks

The GoFundMe page for Tucker and Jackson Sparks was set up by their cousin Alyssa. In the description for the fundraiser, she mentioned that the two brothers have "been impacted by the horrific events at the Waukesha Christmas Parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin on Sunday, November 21, 2021." Although the goal was set at $20,000, over $130,000 has been raised. 

"While attending the Waukesha Christmas parade, an SUV tragically entered the parade route and struck 40 victims. Two of those victims were children, Tucker (age 12) and Jackson (age 8) Sparks. The entire family is devastated and their parents, Aaron and Sheri, are at the bedsides of their children who are both at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Tucker, is recovering, but sustained road rash and a fractured skull. They are closely monitoring his head and spine. He is stable at this time. Jackson, age 8, underwent brain surgery on Sunday evening. Doctors will be testing for brain function and brainstem activity today (Monday, November 22nd). He needs a miracle," she added. 

Alyssa also elaborated on the plight of the Sparks family. "The family is facing mounting medical expenses with two children receiving medical treatment, and time away from work. Any donation, large or small, is so appreciated and will make a big difference to the Sparks family. Aaron and Sheri are people of faith, so please continue to lift them and their boys in prayer," she mentioned. 

Names of other victims confirmed

According to Police Chief Dan Thompson, the five deceased victims from Sunday's incident range in age from 52 to 81 and include 4 females and one male. The city of Waukesha confirmed the names of the victims Monday as Virginia Sorenson, 79; LeAnna Owen, 71; Tamara Durand, 52; Jane Kulich, 52 and Wilhelm Hospel, 81.

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies say some of their members were among the dead in the Waukesha Christmas Parade incident. "Those who died were extremely passionate Grannies," according to the group's statement posted on Sunday on their Facebook page. The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies did not mention how many members of the group were affected or injured in the incident. The group went on to add that they "are devasted (sic) by this terrible tradegy (sic) with of loss of life and injuries in the Waukesha Christmas parade. 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."