Wilhelm Bill Hospel was an 81-year-old man killed when a vehicle drove into the Waukesha Christmas Parade on November 21, 2021. Although the SUV entered the closed parade route that afternoon, Hospel’s death is recorded as November 22, 2021, after he was taken to a hospital, underwent surgery and later died from multiple blunt-force injuries consistent with being struck by a moving vehicle weighing more than 3,000 pounds.

Hospel had strong ties to the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies; his wife Lola had performed with the group and Bill volunteered for decades, helping transport supplies, handing out water and taking photos and videos. He and Lola had been married 61 years and he was the father of two and grandfather of two. Three members of the Dancing Grannies were also killed and more than 60 people were injured when the red Ford Escape drove through the route.

The driver was identified as Darrell E. Brooks Jr., who was taken into custody the same evening. Prosecutors charged him with multiple counts related to the attack, and one homicide count was filed specifically for Hospel’s death. Hospel is survived by his wife Lola, children Lori and Brian, grandchildren Nicole and Tyler, siblings and an extended family.