In a devastating accident late Tuesday night, October 29, 2024, Heather Kramer of Eastman, Wisconsin, along with her sons, Benjamin, 16, and Simon, 13, tragically lost their lives in a collision on State Highway 35 in Seneca Township. The accident involved a sport utility vehicle driven by Benjamin Kramer and a semi-truck operated by Jaswant Mahi, 44, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. This heartbreaking event has left a profound impact on the community, sparking an outpouring of grief and support for the Kramer family.
Heather, a well-known midwife with Trillium Midwifery Services, had dedicated her life to supporting the health and wellbeing of countless families in her community. She was also a devoted mother and beloved wife to Roy Kramer, who is now left mourning the tragic loss of his family. The accident took place just north of Lynxville, Wisconsin, at approximately 11:30 p.m., and its aftermath has sent shockwaves through Eastman and the broader Wisconsin midwifery and healthcare communities.
The Accident on State Highway 35
According to a statement from Crawford County Sheriff Dale McCullick, the collision occurred when Benjamin’s SUV crossed the centerline while driving southbound on State Highway 35. The vehicle struck an oncoming semi-tractor trailer head-on. Benjamin was driving the SUV, with his mother, Heather, in the front passenger seat and his younger brother, Simon, seated in the back. The cause of the SUV crossing into oncoming traffic remains under investigation.
Sheriff McCullick reported that, despite efforts, both Benjamin and Simon were pronounced dead at the scene. Their mother, Heather, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Jaswant Mahi, the semi-truck driver, was unharmed in the crash.
Community Shock and Support for the Kramer Family
The news of the accident has brought an overwhelming response from friends, family, and the larger community. Heather Kramer was not only a mother but also a significant figure in the local healthcare community. As a midwife with Trillium Midwifery Services, she had been a source of care and support to numerous families, guiding them through some of life’s most profound moments. She was deeply respected for her compassion, skill, and commitment, and her sudden passing is a tragic loss for all who knew her.
A Meal Train has been set up to support Roy Kramer and remaining family members as they navigate this difficult period. The initiative allows friends, neighbors, and even strangers moved by the family’s story to contribute food and other resources to ease the burden during this time of unimaginable grief.
Heather Kramer’s Legacy in Midwifery and Her Contributions to the Community
Heather Kramer’s journey in midwifery was both personal and professional. She began her work in the field as a student in the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) midwifery program, where her dedication and skill quickly became apparent. Heather progressed from student to clinical site coordinator, preceptor, and skills test-out assistant, roles in which she helped shape the careers of future midwives.
The SWTC midwifery community, as well as local healthcare organizations, has shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting the depth of her contributions and the loss felt by those she worked alongside. The SWTC Midwifery Program expressed their sorrow, noting Heather’s warmth and commitment to helping others. “Heather was an irreplaceable part of our community. She was a mentor and friend who always had time for others. Her loss weighs heavily on our hearts, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, family, and friends.”
In a statement from Trillium Midwifery Services, colleagues shared their grief, calling Heather a “dear friend, mentor, and midwife.” “Everyone who had the privilege of working with her or being cared for by her knows the void that Heather leaves behind,” the statement read. “She was a light in our lives, someone who exuded grace, strength, and warmth. Please keep Roy and the family in your thoughts.”
The Lasting Impact of Benjamin and Simon
Benjamin, 16, who was driving the SUV at the time of the accident, was a high school student with aspirations for the future. Those who knew Benjamin describe him as responsible, dedicated, and protective of his younger brother, Simon. He was a well-rounded young man with a passion for sports, music, and academics.
Simon, just 13, was known for his kind-hearted nature and enthusiasm for life. Like his brother, he was a student at the local school and a cherished friend to many. Teachers and classmates remember him for his humor, curiosity, and gentle spirit. In a joint statement, administrators from the school extended their condolences, highlighting the deep connection that both boys had with their peers.
Expressions of Sympathy from Healthcare and Community Organizations
The loss of Heather Kramer, a trusted healthcare professional and supportive presence in the lives of many families, has deeply affected the community and beyond. In addition to her role with Trillium Midwifery Services, Heather worked alongside various healthcare organizations to advocate for mothers and families, providing education and compassionate care to those in need.
The team at Prenatal Postnatal Therapy shared a tribute, emphasizing Heather’s influence on the organization and the lives of the many people she worked with. “Heather was more than an extraordinary midwife; she was a dedicated friend and ally to our practice and to countless families,” the statement read. “Her dedication brought comfort and strength to so many in our community. She is irreplaceable, and her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.”
Local community members have also expressed their sorrow. In an online memorial, friends of the family shared fond memories of Heather’s warmth, her smile, and her unwavering support for those she served. Parents who worked with Heather recall her as someone who brought calm and strength to their birthing experiences, as well as a nurturing spirit who treated every family she served with respect and kindness.
The Investigation Continues
As authorities work to understand the events leading up to the accident, they are focusing on reconstructing the crash to determine what factors may have contributed to Benjamin crossing the centerline. Investigators from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office are working alongside other agencies to examine the scene, gather witness statements, and review possible mechanical or environmental conditions that could have played a role.
As the investigation unfolds, community members are reminded to cherish every moment with loved ones, as tragedies like this are a somber reminder of life’s fragility.
The Path Forward for the Kramer Family and Their Community
The loss of Heather, Benjamin, and Simon has been a severe blow to the Eastman community and beyond. Roy Kramer, now grieving the tragic loss of his family, has been surrounded by an outpouring of support from neighbors, friends, and local organizations. The Meal Train, established to help him through this difficult time, has received numerous contributions, with many expressing their love and respect for Heather and her family.
Friends and family are organizing memorial services, which will likely draw many who wish to celebrate the lives of Heather, Benjamin, and Simon. Through these acts of remembrance, the community hopes to provide solace to Roy and honor the remarkable legacy Heather leaves behind as a midwife, mother, and friend.
