Why WaterSAFE
Milwaukee Fire and Police Commissioner LaNelle Ramey initiated the WaterSAFE MKE Project to address the alarming rise in water-related deaths around our city, including the tragic drowning of his stepson Avery in the Milwaukee River in 2020.
If means to assist Avery had been readily available, his story may have had a better ending.
On Sunday, July 12, 2020, Commissioner Ramey’s stepson, Avery, was at the Milwaukee River near the North Avenue Bridge with friends, having a good time and being his usual happy self. While attempting to get an action photo, Avery grabbed a tree branch and tried to swing from underneath the bridge. The branch broke, and Avery fell into the river. Even though Avery could swim, the current was strong, pulling him further from where he had fallen. Eventually, Avery lost his battle with the current. Commissioner Ramey and his family spent nearly three days praying for a miracle, only to have their worst nightmare come true. Their beloved Avery was no longer with them.
