David Novaez, known almost universally at Central High School as Capt. Novaez, at last year's Veteran's Day ceremony, at the school.
The identities of a motorcycle driver and passenger who died as a result of a crash Sunday in Wheatland have been released by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department.
The driver of the motorcycle was David A. Novaez, 48. The passenger on the motorcycle was Kristin Novaez, 36. The married couple were residents of Wheatland.
At about 2:50 p.m., Sunday, sheriff’s deputies and fire and rescue personnel responded to a report of crash at the intersection of Highway P (400th Avenue) at 396th Avenue in Wheatland. A Chevy Blazer pulled out from the stop sign at Highway P into the path of a the motorcycle, which was northbound on Highway P, said Sgt. Bill Beth, Sheriff’s Department spokesman.
Mr. Novaez died immediately. Mrs. Novaez did survive for some time before dying.
The driver of the Chevy Blazer was Ralph Johnson, 20, of Wheatland. There is no suspicion of alcohol or other drug use by Johnson, Beth said. Johnson did submit to a legal blood test in order to show that he had not been consuming alcohol or drugs.
Johnson was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way Causing Death and Failure to Yield Right of Way Causing Injury. The second citation will be updated to Failure to Yield Right of Way Causing Death, due to the death of Mrs. Novaez, Beth said.
David Novaez was a teacher at Central High School in Paddock Lake. He was the keynote speaker at last year’s Central High School Veteran’s Day ceremony. Video of some of the speech can be seen here.
UPDATE 10:07 a.m. — Central High School administration issued the following statement:
We are saddened by the news of the loss of one of our Central High School family members, Mr. David Novaez, German Teacher. Mr. Novaez was killed in a motorcycle accident yesterday afternoon in western Kenosha County. Tragically, his wife Kristen, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Kristin Novaez was a choral teacher at Union Grove High School. Mr. Novaez was employed with the Central High School District beginning in the fall of 2007. His teaching assignment at the time of his death was German Instructor for German I, II, III, IV and V. Mr. Novaez also served as a resource for Limited English speaking (LEP) students. Mr. Novaez supported the students in his non-classroom time as a forensics coach and class advisor. No information is yet available on services for Mr. and Mrs. Novaez. Our hearts and prayers are extended to the family members of Mr. Dave and Kristen Novaez and their family at this very tragic time.”
Union Grove High School also addressed the Navaez’s death on their website’s homepage.
Mrs Novaez was the choir teacher at Union Grove High school
Auf Weidersehen, Captain. Wir werden dich vermissen. Wir sind traurig.
RIP Captain and Mrs. Novaez! You will be missed immensely here on Earth, but Heaven’s gates are now being guarded by the best! Semper Fi
Captain it has been an amazing ride. But I know that you are home with God in Heaven. I will miss you sooo much.
Hey Captain, It’s been an awesome time this past year or so. Your saying “The only easy day was yesterday” will stay with me forever. Thanks for that. I’m going to miss you like crazy. R.I.P. Captain. Semper Fi.
Captain Novaez I may have only gone to Central for 2 years and not had you as a teacher, but I still got to talk to you , you were a great person you will never before gotten. You gave so many students the hope of not giving up because you never gave up on us no matter if you didn’t teach us in your class you still took time to know us and help us when none else would. You where the eye of Westosha Central you kept that High School together , A lot of students took the tragic news very hard but we will always remember what kind of guy you where . R.I.P Captain David Novaez
Although the Noveazes could not have children i think to Captain we were his children. He loved us all and cared about us. You could go up to him if you were having a bad day and he would listen to what you have to say. I think i am one of many who will say that it’s not just Captain being around that we will miss but just the little way he did things. The little things we will never get to enjoy with him again. Captain was a great man and an amazing coach. I wish he could still be here and I dont understand why these things happen but it makes me feel a little better to know he did what he loved and didn’t let anyone tell him he couldn’t. You will be missed Captain.
captain i miss u so much i think about you often rip u were a big part of my life u taught me alot thanks of everything rip cot. and mrs kristean novaez you guys are truely missed