Crash has 'left such a hole'
FORT ATKINSON — Alan Calvillo was a man who lived for his family. Bailey Calvillo was a boy whose smile lighted up a basketball court after he scored a bucket.
Their hometown of Fort Atkinson was devastated by the loss of the father and son Saturday after a man accused of drunken driving smashed into their car while they were on their way to a Milwaukee Bucks game. They died at the scene.
They were using tickets Bailey had received for Christmas.
After Bailey, 11, finished playing his third basketball game Saturday afternoon, he and his father hurried home before leaving for the Bradley Center, bringing a camera and binoculars.
Eleno J. "Alan" Calvillo, 41, had driven about two miles from his home and was traveling east on state Highway 106 when the Toyota Corolla he and his son were riding in was struck head-on by a pickup truck driven by Lucas L. White, 22, of Fort Atkinson.
White, who had been fishing earlier in the day, told investigators he had drunk about seven beers since noon and smoked marijuana before slamming into the Calvillos' car about 6:15 p.m. White—who registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.23 in a breath test and told investigators he was "pacing himself" while drinking, according to a criminal complaint—suffered minor injuries.
The pain the Calvillos' deaths have inflicted—on Wendy Calvillo, Alan's wife and Bailey's mother; on Bailey's three younger siblings; on Bailey's classmates and teammates, and on the Calvillos' extended family and neighbors and co-workers—is indescribable, said Wendy's sister, Debbie Wermeling.
"I wish there was a bigger, badder word for devastated so you could understand," Wermeling said, struggling to speak through her sobs.
Alan and Wendy Calvillo had cried when he was offered a promotion at work a few years ago, knowing they needed the extra money but worried because Alan would be working second shift, meaning he would barely see his children during the week.
But Alan and Wendy made it work, Wermeling said. Alan started his shift as a supervisor at Spacesaver Corp. in Fort Atkinson about 1:30 p.m., so Wendy worked from about 8 a.m. to noon so their youngest son, Brogan, wouldn't have to go to day care.
Alan came home every night about 6 p.m. to have dinner with his family and even found time to coach Bailey's baseball team over the summer, Wermeling said.
"They don't have a fancy house and they don't have fancy cars, but they made beautiful kids together and that's what they worked for and that's what they lived for," Wermeling said.
Alan and Wendy, who were married nearly 18 years, raised a wonderful child in Bailey, said his basketball coach, Dan Roloff.
"Alan and Bailey, they've touched a lot of lives," Roloff said. "It's amazing in a small town how many people have been affected by Bailey and his smile, and how much he will be missed. I think everyone who was in contact with him is a better person because of it. He truly was just a wonderful kid."
Bailey, a sixth-grader, played baseball and basketball and ran cross-country. He rooted for the Brewers and Bucks and idolized NBA star Dwyane Wade, and he earned high honors each of the first two quarters this year at St. Joseph Catholic School, said Wermeling, who works as the school's secretary.
Bailey and a cousin shared their sixth-grade classroom with 12 other students, Wermeling said.
Bailey's 8-year-old brother, Braedan, is in second grade at the school, and his 6-year-old sister, Ellie, is a first-grader.
"It's left such a hole," principal David Podmolik said.
Explaining the situation to students has been difficult, Podmolik said.
"This is the most difficult thing to make sense out of, because Bailey had absolutely no choice in this situation, nor did his dad," he said.
The parish's church will host the Calvillos' wake today and their funeral Thursday.
Bailey was a starter this year on the school's fifth- and sixth-grade basketball team, Roloff said. Bailey worked hard on defense, listened to his coaches and had come a long way, his coach said.
"He went from a fifth-grader that struggled to dribble at all with his left hand, to now, on Saturday, he made three left-handed layups with defense in his face," Roloff said. "There's nothing better than to see him running down the court with a big ol' smile on his face, high-fiving his teammates."
Bailey's teammates from his school basketball team will don their uniforms and follow his casket up the church's aisle at his funeral, Wermeling said.
The day after the crash, Wendy Calvillo and Wermeling went to the spot where Bailey and Alan died. They got on their hands and knees and searched for evidence of the horror that happened there, Wermeling said.
"We found their garage door opener and a pair of safety glasses that Alan wore to work," she said. "We found a piece of their car, just a little piece, but it's their car."
They also found smashed beer bottles, Wermeling said.
"You know what we thought while we were crawling around on our hands and knees?" she said. " '(White) got to crawl out of his truck.'
"I don't care if he goes to prison for the rest of his life," she said. "His parents will still get to see him. His friends will still get to see him."
White, who was charged Monday with two counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, faces up to 30 years' imprisonment and 20 years' extended supervision if convicted of both charges.
His public defender, John V. Rhiel, said Monday that White works as an industrial welder and has no criminal record as an adult. Rhiel said White is "very somber about this. He takes it very seriously… . It's a very sad situation all around."
White was being held Tuesday night in the Jefferson County Jail on $150,000 bail.
Alan Calvillo drank a beer or two a year, Wermeling said. Wendy never drinks, her sister said.
"(Alan) didn't go out with his friends," Wermeling said. "He wanted to do stuff with his kids… . Every once in a while (Alan and Wendy) would get to sneak out, the two of them, and you know what they would do? They would go shopping for those kids, or they would get dinner and go right home because they wanted to tuck their kids into bed."
Bailey's mother has been searching for any tangible reminders of her son and husband, Wermeling said.
She found Bailey's wallet in his room, photos of his siblings inside. She has been wearing Alan's fleece and sleeping with Bailey's unwashed basketball shorts, the shorts he wore Saturday.
Sheriff's deputies returned the binoculars and a smashed digital camera they found at the crash scene, Wermeling said. The camera contained photos Alan took of Bailey during his basketball games earlier in the day, she said. The photos have since been printed.
Alan constantly shot photos and videos of his family, Wermeling said.
Podmolik, the school's principal, laughed at the memory of watching Alan film from the back of the church a few weeks ago while his son Braedan prepared to make his first confession.
"That's the snapshot I have of him, always trying to commemorate or be a part of his kids' lives," Podmolik said.
Roloff, Bailey's basketball coach, said he would remember Bailey for his smile.
"When I think of him, I think of him with that big ol' smile, jumping around after a good play, whether it was by him or his teammates," Roloff said. "That smile, I'll never forget that smile."
Feb 14, 2009 at 3:40 p.m.
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There is no such thing as an accident, accidents are caused!!!!!!!!!!
Feb 13, 2009 at 11:06 a.m.
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falconil61 is another example of ignorance personified.
Creates an account just to post one meaningless and moronic statement.
This person must be a friend or family member of the murderer.
Feb 13, 2009 at 9:42 a.m.
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This was no "accident". Nobody "accidentally" drank alcohol. Nobody "accidentally" got behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. These were done intentionally. No, I don't think the young man intentionally killed these people. However, I do think society throws around the word "accident" way to freely. When will society learn that alcohol and driving any vehicle DO NOT go together under ANY circumstances.
Feb 13, 2009 at 9:40 a.m.
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This would be DRUNK DRIVING, not an accident. The meaning of moron...is Falconil61
Feb 13, 2009 at 9:40 a.m.
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Falcon-Accident?!! are you kidding me? He was hammered and crossed the center line. He will hopefully have 15-20 years to think about his choice to drink and drive and commit homicide.
Feb 13, 2009 at 9:25 a.m.
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DO YOU PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THE MEANING OF ACCIDENT IS. jUST THAT ACCIDENT.
Feb 12, 2009 at 7:10 p.m.
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People interested in helping the Calvillo family can contribute to the Calvillo Memorial Fund, c/0 Fort Community Credit Union, 800 Madison Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. The community really turned out at the visitation last night. It was scheduled from 4-8 p.m., and the parking lot was still packed at 9:30 p.m. People waited for hours to pay their respects. Thanks Gazette for all the coverage. Now is the time to contact your elected representatives to make your feelings heard about our liberal DUI laws! Do it!!!
Feb 12, 2009 at 5:22 p.m.
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Old testament "stoning" comes to mind!
This is just so awful! Few us us on these blogs have been through it, but I bet we all know someone who has. I wouldn't even know how to console Wendy... for if it was me, there would be nothing anyone could say, to ease the burden and heartbreak.
I think the murderer should have to make up the financial loss this family will experience. He should be fined for 50 years of lost wages. There is no way to supplement the emotional loss but there should be a substantial financial penalty he needs to pay, so even if he gets a "slap on the wrist" (which I pray doesn't happen) he will spend the rest of his crappy life paying for his actions with his wallet!!!
I'm just heartsick about what happened to this family.
We are a community of small town values, lets step up to the plate and BE THERE for this family. If anyone starts a fundraiser, please be sure the Gazette knows... I would love to help!
Feb 12, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.
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sk8-stop acting like a child and pointing fingers. You are accusing me of doing the same thing you're doing now. Grow up!
Feb 12, 2009 at 12:20 p.m.
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these are murders this man chose to drive drunk with the possibility of killing someone and that IMO is intentional
Feb 12, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.
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What state is that that has the sense to charge these killings as murder.
.
Its a real no-brainer.
.
Feb 12, 2009 at 8:32 a.m.
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could everyone just put their own pettiness aside and think about this family and not about if you think another poster offended you or not, for those of you who are bashing each other instead of helping this family through their time of need you are just as thoughtless as a drunk driver
Feb 12, 2009 at 8:18 a.m.
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supermom - I never said this guy didn't deserve to go to prison!!!! If you actually read the statement I made, you'd realize my entire point was that our thoughts and prayers should be with the family. I have a family and I certainly wouldn't want to have any of them read the crap posted. In your rant to me, maybe you should have wished the family your thoughts and prayers. I really don't care what you think because I KNOW where my heart is.
Feb 12, 2009 at 8:10 a.m.
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This is such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Feb 12, 2009 at 7:49 a.m.
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I do not know either family, I do not live in their town. But as I'm writing this I have tears in my eyes and running down my face. I think about my daughter and I cannot imagine losing her, I think about my fiancee and I cannot imagine our lives together getting cut short. This couple was married for 18 years, it may seem long but it is still such a short time. I feel....something unexplainable for this woman and her children. I know it will be hard right now but my advice to you is to read The Shack. I have lost many people very close to me, this book actually helped me put things into perspective. I really hope it helps you, if you have not already read it. You are definatly in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and your family at this unfortuante time.
Feb 12, 2009 at 7:20 a.m.
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My prayers goes out to this family. My cousin and his wife were killed on their motorcyle 10 years ago by a drunk driver. He got 7 years and only spent 5 years in prison plus for the next ten years he has to spend the night in jail on the anniversary of their accident. That just wasn't enough time for taking 2 lives.
Feb 12, 2009 at 7:17 a.m.
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sk8 - you're pretty much doing the same thing hannah is doing. why don't you stop babbling.
This guy was stupid and deserves life in prison, case closed.
Feb 12, 2009 at 5:23 a.m.
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my prayers are with the family...horrible
Feb 11, 2009 at 8:14 p.m.
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I would suggest life for a life! when you kill someone while drunk driving, you get life in prison The end!
Feb 11, 2009 at 7:38 p.m.
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hannah-I have to agree wth ljs64. None of your calculations or babble matter at all. It's time to get of your pedestal and think about this family. We already know that family and friends (of this child) read these posts too. They don't need to read that garbage and they certainly don't need reminding of how they lost their husband/dad, brother/son. Your psycho-analyzing everyone shows that you're either bored or you need to put others down to make yourself feel better. We also have to understand that there is another family involved. The family of the young man that caused this tragedy. They all live in a small community and they're all going to suffer the rest of their lives. As ljs64 stated....please stop!
Feb 11, 2009 at 7:35 p.m.
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Feb 11, 2009 at 7:16 p.m.
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they have a program at the schools it s called dare, as you can see its not working.. what they need is more things for these kids to do , or learn how to do maybe then when they reach adulthood they will have other interests
Feb 11, 2009 at 6:53 p.m.
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it sure does not help when everyone argues over what has happened. Mr White was in the wrong no matter which way you say it, it is horrible what has happened to this father and son and a trajedy no one will ever get over, instead of arguing try to find a way as a community to come together for this family that has lost two members. a co-worker of mine lost his teenage daughter when a drunk driver hit her last year, her job at culver threw a big benefit and raised money for the family, why don't you try to do something like this for this family instead of bashing one another
Feb 11, 2009 at 6:37 p.m.
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hannah- Quit assuming how many beers the young man had. Who cares, does it really matter now? Your ignorance just shines in all your posts. Please stop!
Feb 11, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.
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I vote for some reality therapy. I think these drunk drivers need to taken to the morgue so they can actually see what they have done. Oh, wait...I think that was brought up a few years ago and the bleeding heart societies said that would too cruel a punishment. Not in my book! I am so tired of the slaps on the hands and the free stays in jail. Things are so backwards. The criminals have more rights than the victims or the families.
God bless the families and hope they find the inner strength to work through this.
Feb 11, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.
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hanna knows the line, a few. you bet that every addict minimizes. we need preventive education if we ever want to solve this situation. we need classes at the bacic levels of education before the fact in addition to after the fact punishment. our school boards build gyms for the athlete, the few lucky enough to be able to actually benefit from their use. what we need are education courses for every student that spell out the effects of this stuff and the consequences that will be faced if used excessively. i won't hold my breath waiting for any sensible solutions. but at least i have mandated high definition t.v.
Feb 11, 2009 at 4:45 p.m.
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the article is one that should be used at the sentencing hearing. this kind of stuff happens every day, every night in every state in the usa, all year long. we morn the dead and after the funeral then have a cocktail at the luncheon. the city of janesville wrangles over a semi-pro hockey team coming into the ice arena and they wrangle over whether or not beer will get to be sold. the issue, beer. insanity is a mild diagnosis for an out of control situation, the consumption of alcohol and the driving after the drinking. bars, games, events,the folks drive to them all have a few and the folks drive on home. meanwhile the politicians pat themselves on the back when they pass feel good laws that do little to prevent deaths. it makes me ill..............
Feb 11, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.
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bless the families that are in pain and may god watch over all of you even mr whites family although mr white himself does not deserve sympathy i know his family is in pain as well
Feb 11, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.
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That could of easily been anyone one of us with ours kids. You can't help but read that and not get teary eyed. The laws have to change not that it is going to stop the problem, but maybe one person will think twice. If I knew the words to say to the family I would, but i believe everyone that has a heart is praying for this family!!
Feb 11, 2009 at 1:40 p.m.
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I do not feel that Mr. White should be mentioned in any of the comments on this article. This should be reserved for those who want to offer condolences to the Calvillo family!!!!! There is a time and place for everything and this is definetly NOT the place!!!.....MAY GOD GRANT THE ENTIRE CALVILLO FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES, ECT..PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU WENDY, BRAEDON, ELLIE, BROGAN!
Feb 11, 2009 at 1:24 p.m.
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I myself have lived through a head on collision. Just outside of Fort. A gentleman crossed the center line and hit my family and I head on. Luckily everyone lived. Although one person in our car is brain injured. I feel for this family. It is devastating and no punishment will ever be enough. The gentle man that hit us only got 3 years. I pray for this family and their loss.
Feb 11, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.
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The 17 year old in Lake Geneva got 7 years. I think Mr. White is looking at 15-20.
Feb 11, 2009 at 12:31 p.m.
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They don't want to stiffen the laws,because most of the law makers are avid drinkers. I'm sure everyone hurts for these families,but we ALL know we'll see the ole plea bargain thing. Seems like every drunk that has KILLED someone,only gets "if a year in jail",maybe go visit the grave site every year until their probation is done,WHAT A JOKE! So maybe he WAS a good kid,following his peers,see where that got him. JEFF DALMER was a good kid once too!!
Feb 11, 2009 at 12:09 p.m.
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My last post is for all the people that I'm sure will jump in here to defend him not anyone who has already posted.
Feb 11, 2009 at 12:08 p.m.
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This is absolutely horrible and there is no excuse for what he did. I hope that no one comes on here to defend Mr. White because he doesn't deserve it. This was not a mistake it was a very poor choice that once again took the lives of the innocent rather than the stupid drunk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How ironic that the same week they published an article about new bills trying to be passed to be more harsh on driving drunk and then this happens. I hope all of you that think the new bill they are trying to push through is too unfair to read this article and tell be about what is fair. Mr. White, rot in jail and I hope you think about this every single minute of your life!
My thoughts are with the family.
Feb 11, 2009 at 11:34 a.m.
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Ugh, this is heartbreaking.
Feb 11, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.
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My kids and I are regulars at Bucks home games - and I can't stop crying reading this. Please Lord, comfort this family.
Feb 11, 2009 at 10:33 a.m.
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As I sit here this moment tears are streaming off my chin. I feal the ache this mother feels for the loss of her son and husband.I have two girls,one the same age as her son and the other the same age as Ellie. It is that nightmare you hope to never have.
I truly hope your family will find peace.
Feb 11, 2009 at 10:23 a.m.
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Even four days after this horrible event, my heart aches for this boy, his dad and the family and friends left behind.
Feb 11, 2009 at 9:38 a.m.
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What a tragidy and my prayers to the family and all who suffered this loss.
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