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Family Seeks Answers After Autistic Man Dies on Highway
11 Jul
Summary
- Autistic man died after being struck by a box truck on I-43.
- Family questions how he left his group home supervision.
- He was known as 'Dancing James' for his love of dancing.
The family of James Spears, 45, who died on July 8 after being struck by a box truck on Interstate 43 in Milwaukee, is seeking accountability. Spears, who had autism and resided in a group home, allegedly left the facility under unclear circumstances. His family points to a history of elopement when supervision was inadequate and questions the protocols at the Saved By Grace Faith Adult Family Home.
According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, authorities responded to reports of an unconscious person on I-43 near the Capitol Drive off-ramp around 12:04 a.m. on July 8. Despite life-saving attempts, Spears was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier that night, police had issued a critically missing alert for Spears, last seen walking in the city around 11:25 p.m. on July 7.
Records indicate the group home, owned by Ashley Chipley, was previously cited in June 2024 for a burn risk due to excessively hot water from a faucet, though this violation was reportedly corrected. The family is raising funds for funeral expenses, remembering James Spears, also known as 'Dancing James,' for his uplifting presence and love for dancing.
