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A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the peaceful community of Middleton, Wisconsin, following a devastating incident that claimed three lives on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. In what authorities have confirmed as a double homicide and subsequent suicide, David Pabst and Teri Pabst were senselessly taken from this world, leaving friends, neighbors, and loved ones in deep mourning and disbelief.

According to early reports from the Middleton Police Department, officers responded to a welfare check request at a quiet residential home in the early afternoon hours. What they discovered was a scene that has left the town reeling: the bodies of David Pabst, 62, and his wife, Teri Pabst, 60, both pronounced dead at the scene. The third individual, identified as a close family member who authorities believe was responsible for the killings, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities have not yet released that individual’s name as the investigation continues and next of kin are notified.

David and Teri Pabst were longtime Middleton residents, known for their warmth, generosity, and deep involvement in the community. David, a retired engineer and lifelong Wisconsinite, was widely respected for his intelligence, calm demeanor, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Those who knew him describe a quiet strength and a deep love for his family. In retirement, David had found joy in gardening, fishing on Lake Mendota, and volunteering his time with local high school robotics programs, mentoring young minds and encouraging their pursuit of science and engineering.

Teri, a former elementary school teacher, was equally admired for her kindness, patience, and boundless compassion. For over two decades, she touched the lives of countless children through her work in the Middleton-Cross Plains School District. Even after her retirement, she remained active in local literacy programs and often spent her afternoons reading to children at the public library. Her smile was infectious, and her ability to make others feel seen and valued left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

The couple, married for over 35 years, were known to be inseparable. Friends recall their shared love for travel, local arts events, and the quiet joy they found in everyday life. Their relationship served as a beacon of love and partnership within their circle.

The tragedy has stunned not just their family and close friends, but the entire Middleton area. “David and Teri were the kind of people you hoped to have as neighbors,” said a tearful local resident. “They were the heart of this street. This is unimaginable.”

Police have assured the community that there is no ongoing threat and that the scene was contained to the residence. They are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to this horrific act, including examining possible mental health or domestic stress factors. While many questions remain unanswered, what is clear is the deep and lasting wound left by the sudden loss of two beloved members of the community.

Local officials, clergy, and mental health professionals have rallied to provide support for those affected. Grief counseling services have been made available at nearby churches and community centers, and a candlelight vigil is being planned in downtown Middleton for Friday evening, where friends and residents will gather to remember the lives of David and Teri and to stand together in collective mourning and resilience.

In this moment of unimaginable sorrow, the Middleton community is being reminded of the importance of compassion, connection, and seeking help in times of emotional crisis. A statement from the Pabst family reads in part: “We are devastated beyond words. David and Teri were the anchors of our family, and their loss has left a void that can never be filled. We ask for privacy as we begin to grieve and try to make sense of this tragedy.”

The story of David and Teri Pabst is not just one of loss, but of lives well-lived—lives devoted to each other, to their community, and to making the world a better place in quiet, meaningful ways. While their physical presence is no longer with us, their legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

May David and Teri Pabst rest in eternal peace. And may their memory be a source of strength and inspiration as the community of Middleton begins the long journey toward healing.

It is with deep sorrow and respect that we honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Tim Thoman, a devoted public servant whose recent passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of many. Lieutenant Thoman’s unwavering dedication to the fire service, his community, and his fellow first responders will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

For over two decades, Lieutenant Tim Thoman served with distinction, integrity, and tireless commitment in the fire department. His journey was one marked by selflessness, bravery, and a deep-rooted passion for helping others. Whether battling dangerous fires, leading emergency response teams, or mentoring young firefighters, Tim embodied the highest ideals of courage and public service. He was the steady hand in crisis, the reassuring voice in chaos, and a pillar of strength for his colleagues and community alike.

Born and raised with a strong sense of duty and compassion, Tim answered the call to serve early in life. His rise through the ranks of the fire service was not only a testament to his skill and determination but also to his leadership and humility. As a lieutenant, he was not only a commanding presence at the scene of emergencies but also a compassionate leader who believed deeply in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of his team. His mentorship shaped the careers of countless firefighters who now carry forward his legacy of excellence.

Lieutenant Thoman was more than just a firefighter; he was a loving husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and an involved member of the community. He balanced the demands of a high-risk profession with unwavering dedication to his family and loved ones. Known for his warm smile, calm demeanor, and sharp sense of humor, Tim brought light and strength to those around him. Whether at the firehouse or at home, he was always the first to offer a helping hand, a listening ear, or words of encouragement.

In times of tragedy, Lieutenant Thoman was often among the first on the scene, running toward danger to protect lives and property. Today, we find ourselves running out of words to express the depth of our grief and gratitude. His death is a heartbreaking loss not only for his family and fellow firefighters but also for the entire community he so honorably served. Flags are lowered in his memory, radios fall silent in respect, and hearts mourn the loss of a true hero.

As we reflect on Lieutenant Tim Thoman’s life, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who dedicate their lives to the service of others. His courage, kindness, and commitment will live on in the stories shared by those who knew him, the lives he saved, and the legacy he leaves behind in the department he loved.

To honor Lieutenant Thoman’s life is to continue the work he held so dear — to protect, to serve, and to uplift. His spirit will live on in every call answered, every life saved, and every act of compassion extended in his name. While his watch may have ended, his influence will continue to guide and inspire generations of firefighters and public servants to come.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Thoman family, his brothers and sisters in the fire service, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing, and may we always remember Lieutenant Tim Thoman not just for how he died, but for how he lived — with courage, honor, and a heart full of service.

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the tight-knit communities of Centralia and Vermillion, Kansas, mourn the tragic and untimely loss of Cole Matson, a beloved young man whose life was cut short following a devastating farm accident. Cole’s sudden passing has sent waves of grief across Nemaha County, touching the lives of countless family members, friends, neighbors, and classmates who knew him not just for his hard work and warm smile, but for the goodness and sincerity that radiated from his soul.

Born and raised in rural Kansas, Cole embodied the very spirit of small-town America—humble, kind, and hardworking. From an early age, Cole developed a deep connection with the land, working side by side with his family on their generational farm. Farming wasn’t just a way of life for Cole—it was his passion. Whether it was helping during harvest season, tending to livestock, or fixing equipment in the barn, Cole approached every task with diligence and pride. His love for agriculture ran deep, rooted in tradition and strengthened by a future full of dreams.

Cole was a proud son, a devoted brother, a loyal friend, and a source of inspiration to those around him. Known for his contagious laugh, unwavering integrity, and strong sense of responsibility, he was a young man of character beyond his years. He had a quiet strength, the kind that didn’t seek attention but always showed up when someone needed help. Whether it was lending a hand at church functions, mentoring younger kids in 4-H, or volunteering at local events, Cole’s generosity and selflessness were constants in the lives of those he touched.

A student and athlete, Cole participated in school sports and FFA, where he made a lasting impression through his dedication, teamwork, and leadership. Teachers and coaches remember him as respectful, driven, and dependable—a young man who led by example and brought heart to everything he did. His peers admired him, not only for his natural abilities but for his unwavering loyalty and kindness.

The tragic accident that claimed Cole’s life has left a void in the hearts of all who knew him. News of his passing has shaken the Centralia and Vermillion communities to their core, as residents gather to support the Matson family during this unimaginable time. Tributes and condolences have poured in from near and far, a testament to how deeply Cole was loved and how wide his influence extended.

In the midst of heartbreak, the community stands united in remembering Cole not just for the tragic way he left this world, but for the beautiful way he lived in it. His memory will live on in the fields he once walked, in the friendships he nurtured, and in the lives he touched with his unwavering kindness and genuine spirit. Though his time on Earth was far too short, Cole Matson’s legacy will forever be written in the hearts of those who had the blessing of knowing him.

A candlelight vigil and memorial services will be held in the coming days to honor Cole’s life and give the community an opportunity to grieve, reflect, and celebrate a young man whose presence was truly a gift. In lieu of flowers, the Matson family kindly asks that donations be made to local FFA chapters or farm safety education programs in Cole’s name—an enduring tribute to a life rooted in service, hard work, and love.

May Cole Matson rest in eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the embrace of a community that will never forget his light.

With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news that two young siblings, 7-year-old Sebastian Trotter and 4-year-old Charlotte Trotter, tragically lost their lives during the catastrophic flash flooding that struck Ruidoso, New Mexico, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

The Trotter family, like many others in the community, had been attempting to seek safety as severe thunderstorms rolled across the region, triggering rapid and deadly flooding. The storm dumped several inches of rain within a short span of time, overwhelming rivers, creeks, and the ground’s ability to absorb the deluge. It was during this terrifying event that the unthinkable occurred—the surging floodwaters swept through areas near their home, pulling the two children away from their loved ones in an instant.

Sebastian and Charlotte were vibrant, joyful, and deeply loved children whose lives were filled with wonder, laughter, and boundless affection. Sebastian, a rising second-grader, was known for his curious mind, gentle heart, and adventurous spirit. He adored dinosaurs, loved to build intricate Lego creations, and had recently taken an interest in astronomy, often staring up at the stars and asking profound questions that belied his young age. Charlotte, a spirited and loving preschooler, lit up every room she entered with her sweet smile and sparkling eyes. She loved to sing, play dress-up, and was never far from her older brother’s side—they were inseparable.

The loss of these precious children has sent waves of grief through not only their family but also the entire Ruidoso community. Neighbors, friends, classmates, teachers, and complete strangers have come together to mourn, to remember, and to support one another in the face of this unimaginable tragedy. Vigils have been held, flowers and stuffed animals left near the flood site, and candles lit in memory of two lives taken far too soon.

The Trotter family is devastated, navigating an unspeakable heartbreak that no parent, sibling, or grandparent should ever have to endure. Their pain is immeasurable, yet they are surrounded by a growing network of love, prayer, and solidarity from those who know them and even from those who do not but who have been moved by their story.

This tragedy is a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the fragile beauty of life. It also speaks to the importance of community in the darkest of times. Local emergency crews, volunteers, and neighbors acted with urgency and compassion during the flooding and continue to assist in the recovery and healing process.

In memory of Sebastian and Charlotte, their family has asked that people hold their own children a little tighter, spread kindness where they can, and consider donating to local flood relief efforts or to a fund being set up in the children’s names, which will go toward emergency preparedness resources and child-focused community programs in Ruidoso.

Though Sebastian and Charlotte’s lives were heartbreakingly short, the light they brought into the world will never be forgotten. Their spirits will forever live on in the stories shared by their loved ones, the laughter they left behind, and the love that endures even in the midst of loss. May they rest in eternal peace, hand in hand, just as they were in life.

The Redwater Independent School District is united in grief as we mourn the heartbreaking loss of Wyatt Yates, a beloved student whose presence touched countless lives within our community. Wyatt passed away unexpectedly, and his absence has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Wyatt was more than just a student — he was a beacon of light within the halls of Redwater schools. With a heart full of compassion and a soul that radiated kindness, he had a rare gift for making those around him feel valued and seen. Whether it was offering a helping hand to a peer, sharing a laugh to brighten someone’s day, or showing quiet support when someone needed it most, Wyatt’s presence was always one of warmth and sincerity.

A dedicated learner and an active participant in both academics and extracurriculars, Wyatt brought energy, curiosity, and a positive spirit to everything he did. His teachers often spoke of his respectful nature, his thoughtfulness in the classroom, and his eagerness to learn—not just from textbooks, but from life and the people around him. In clubs, on the field, or at school events, Wyatt’s enthusiasm and team spirit were contagious.

Beyond his achievements, Wyatt will be remembered most for his character. He had a gentle way of lifting others up without seeking recognition, of encouraging those who needed confidence, and of making each person feel like they mattered. It is this quiet strength, this genuine kindness, that made Wyatt unforgettable.

The news of his passing has reverberated throughout the entire Redwater community. Counselors and support staff are available across campuses to help students, staff, and families process this profound loss. In classrooms, in hallways, and in hearts, the grief is deep, but so too is the gratitude for having known someone as special as Wyatt.

In this time of mourning, we stand together—as classmates, educators, parents, and neighbors—united by sorrow but also by love. We extend our deepest condolences to Wyatt’s family. No words can ease their pain, but we hope they find some comfort in knowing that Wyatt made a difference in so many lives. His light, though extinguished far too soon, continues to shine in the memories and the lives he touched.

To honor Wyatt’s legacy, the district is organizing a candlelight vigil and memory wall where students and staff can share stories, messages, and reflections. Plans are also underway to establish a scholarship or a lasting tribute in his name—something that will continue to reflect the values Wyatt held dear: kindness, compassion, and community.

As we navigate this incredibly difficult moment, let us lean on one another, hold our loved ones close, and keep Wyatt Yates in our thoughts. His time with us, though brief, was filled with love and purpose, and he will never be forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace