Father Killed in Horrific Car Crash on the Way to the Hospital to Deliver His Eighth Baby

National   |   Sarah Zagorski   |   Apr 23, 2015   |   1:43PM   |   Washington, DC

In Wisconsin, Michael Rogan was killed while driving his pregnant wife, Niki, and their children to the hospital for the birth of the couple’s eighth child. According to WSAW News, Michael died when the car ahead of them hit a deer and crashed into the windshield where he was sitting. In this tragic incident, Michael was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital. His wife gave birth to a healthy son named Blaise a few hours later.

Cecilia Martin Gruetzmacher, a friend of the family, created a GoFundMe page for the Rogan’s.

She wrote, “Our long-time friends from church, Mike and Niki Rogan, were driving to the hospital early this morning [4/17/2015] with their seven children, in anticipation of welcoming an eighth child into their beautiful family. On the way, an oncoming car hit a deer, which was thrown into the Rogans’ vehicle. Mike did not survive the accident. Niki and the children survived with only minor injuries. Niki gave birth to their son, Blaise, hours after the accident.”

She added, “Mike served as a corporal in the US Marine Corps and was promoted to sergeant while remaining on with the Reserves. He applied the motto, “Semper Fi” to all aspects of his life, faithfully serving God, country, and family. Niki is a stay-at-home mom and homeschools her children who range in age from newborn to 15 years, and is left with providing for her family aided by only a minimal life insurance policy.”

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The Rogan’s are devout Catholics and were at church baptizing Blaise just two days after the accident. Tami Richardson, Niki’s sister, said, “His [Michael’s] greatest love was his family. He was strong and patient with the children.”

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Here’s more:

Another vehicle struck the deer on Highway 97 in the Town of Cleveland, throwing the animal into the Rogans’ windshield, according to sheriff’s Lt. Ted Knoeck. Rogan’s wife was able to steer the van to some soft soil in a shallow ditch, Richardson said.

One of the couple’s longtime friends, Dominic Gruetzmacher, said he was amazed to see Niki Rogan and the children at their Wausau church two days later. Blaise was baptized Sunday.

Michael Rogan was active in the church, sang in the choir and helped with a boys’ group, Gruetzmacher said. Rogan also served in the U.S. Marines and was a reserve member following his active duty.

“He was a strong guy. He dove into the world head on and approached it with enthusiasm,” Gruetzmacher said.

Richardson said Rogan took over his father-in-law’s organic seed and fertilizer business after her father died about eight years ago. Family and friends are stepping forward to help.”The seeds need to be delivered. We just have to identify who the customers are,” she said. “We’ve been humbled by the support that has been offered.”

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