By Annette Newcomb Editor
On Oct. 9, 2011, Westosha Central High School teacher David A. Novaez, 48, and his wife, Kristin Novaez, 36, and a teacher at Union Grove High School, were killed when a Chevy Blazer driven by Ralph Johnson, 20, pulled away from a stop sign on Highway P, into the path of the motorcycle the couple was riding on
On April 4 the Wisconsin State Crime Lab returned the results of the blood tests taken from Johnson at the time of the accident. His blood alcohol level was 0.00 when the sample was taken.
This is consistent with the observations of deputies who were on the sign at the time of the accident, who said they did not believe Johnson was impaired when the crash occurred.
David Novaez was a German teacher at Westosha High School and his wife, Kristen, was a beloved choral director at Union Grove High School. The couple had been married seven years and did not have children.
At the time of the accident Sgt. Bill Beth of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department said the Noveazs were traveling north on County Highway P just before 3 p.m. when Johnson, 20, of Wheatland, pulled out from a stop sign into their path, in his Chevy Blazer.
David Novaez was killed instantly. Kristin Novaez was severely injured, with a severed leg, but was conscious at the scene, asking about her husband. She was taken by Flight for Life helicopter to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa and underwent two surgeries. It wasn’t enough to save the life of the teacher, who co-workers said lit up a room when she walked in.
Both high schools dealt with grief the best they could, helping their students and co-workers mourn their loss.
The couple had met when they both sang with the Milwaukee Symphony Choir. They were both classically trained pianists. David Novaez retired as a captain with the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves after serving for 12 years. He was referred to as Captain Novaez by students. Wearing his dress blues, he was the keynote speaker during the school’s Veteran’s Day program in 2010. His photo was just recently removed from the home page of the school’s web site.
At Union Grove High School, where she was choir director, Kristin Novaez made an equally favorable impression on students and staff.
Kristin Novaez was well-known in her hometown of Oconto Falls as well. The former Kristin Tielens was crowned Miss Oshkosh in the 1997 scholarship competition. She was fourth runner up in the Miss Wisconsin pageant, held later that same year.
At the time of the accident Johnson was cited for failure to yield right of way causing death and failure to yield right of way causing injury. The second citation was updated to failure to yield right of way causing death, due to the death of Kristin Novaez.
Though dealing with grief, Kristin Novaez’s family made arrangements for organ donations. While participating in the Miss American pageant, she had promoted Heart to Heart, a program designed to educate people on organ and tissue donation.
In death, Kristin Novaez was able to help 60 people through those same donations.
A scholarship fund was established in the couple’s name to help students who want to purse a music career.
To learn more contact Westosha Central High School at (262) 843-2321 or Union Grove High School at (262) 878-2434.