Victim's family calls for justice as suspect in fatal Oshkosh hit-and-run is bound for trial

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) - Family and friends of an Oshkosh man killed in a hit-and-run last month are calling for justice following their loved one’s death. 29-year-old Ethan Luaders was walking across the street when he was struck by a vehicle.

Bubbly, high energy, ferocious.

They’re words family and friends use to describe 29-year-old Ethan Luaders.

It’s how David Stockwell, Ethan’s best friend of nearly 10 years, wants to remember him.

“No matter what type of thing happened he would always bounce back. He was always the type of person you expected to never see get knocked down. He would always stand back up,” said Stockwell.

Around 3:00 a.m. on October 5th, a vehicle struck and killed Ethan near New York Avenue and Algoma Boulevard in Oshkosh. Court documents say the suspect, 21-year-old Drake Dodge, turned himself in to police later that day and admitted to hitting Luaders and driving away.

Stockwell says he was shocked.

“It was not something that I expected to wake up to,” Stockwell said.

Court records show Dodge posted a $20,000 cash bond on October 16th. On Thursday he appeared in person in court and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The judge found probable cause in the case and bound Dodge over for trial.

Members of Ethan’s family spoke with us after the hearing.

“At this time we have no comment other than to thank everyone for their kind and heartfelt support. We are confident that the ADA and Judge Woldt will protect our community and justice will be served,” said Kelly Luaders, Ethan’s aunt.

Stockwell hopes for justice too, but knows it won’t bring his friend back.

“You can’t do anything to make it whole. There will always be a piece of him that’s floating and missing from our hearts,” said Stockwell.

Dodge is set to return to court in January.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support Luaders’ 6-year-old daughter.