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A 20-year-old Madison Area Technical College student died March 31 due to injuries sustained during a hit-and-run accident less than three weeks earlier at the intersection of Park and Regent Streets.
Luke Peerenboom was walking home alone March 14 at roughly 2 a.m. when he was hit by what the Madison Police Department described as a dark-colored minivan with a tinted rear window.
Peerenboom was taken to the University of Wisconsin Hospital, where he remained in a coma until life support was removed and he succumbed to his injuries.
No suspects have been arrested in relation to the hit-and-run, and the MPD is asking the public for leads or information about the incident.
According to the MPD, the van involved in the accident likely sustained front-end damage as a result of the collision.
Sgt. Bernie Gonzalez of the MPD said although police and investigators rely heavily on physical evidence found at the crime scene, they also depend on tips from the community to solve most crimes.
"A lot of people feel like, 'Well, I only saw this,' and they don't really feel like it's a lot of help, but often that little thing that they heard or saw is the final piece that puts everything together," Gonzalez said. "Community involvement is crucial."
In response to the incident, UW released a series of pedestrian safety tips that are posted on its website. Tips include wearing bright clothing and using UW's SAFEwalk or SAFEride services when traveling alone at night.
The MPD also released safety tips for motorists, urging them to yield to pedestrians even if they are crossing at an unmarked location.
According to the victim's cousin, Jill Peerenboom, who contacted The Badger Herald after the incident, he had expressed interest in transferring to UW in the future.
There is no indication whether alcohol was a factor in the incident.
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To clarify, Luke was not alone. There was a group with him, me included, had the motorist been 3 seconds earlier there would be 6 in the hospital rather than one. RIP Luke!
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Luke also got hit on the 10th of March not the 14th. He was in the hospital for 21 days. And yes he was with 2 of his buddys and 3 girls. “BAND OF BROTHERS”
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On behalf of Luke's extended family we'd like to send our thanks out to a number of people. First, to the people who stopped to render aid, to Luke's friends who stayed by his side, to the quick response of the emergency crew, to the caring hospital staff, to the police dept for their continuing investigation, and to all our friends and others for their thoughts, prayers, and support during this very difficult time.
Luke was a man that his family and friends were proud to be part of his life. As you know, a miracle was not meant to be for our family. However, we hope that after Luke’s passing, his donated organs were able to assist in a miracle for another family. Even in death, he helped others. He did NOT deserve to die this way.
We all realize that accidents happen and also know that people make mistakes. It's how we handle those mistakes that define the people we want to be, or person we actually become. In this case, the driver of the vehicle who hit Luke and chose to leave the scene, continued to make bad decisions. By not coming forward after the fact and trying to hide what you did, defines the person you are. We really can’t imagine anyone being proud of the person you are, including your family and friends.
Please continue to keep Luke, his family, and friends in your thoughts and prayers.