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

Bubbly, high energy, wild.

These are the words family and friends use to describe 29-year-old Ethan Luaders.

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

“No matter what kind of thing it was, he would always come back. He was always the kind of person you would never expect to get knocked down. Stockwell said he will always stand up.

Around 3:00 a.m. on October 5A vehicle struck and killed Ethan near New York Boulevard and Algoma Boulevard in Oshkosh. The suspect, 21-year-old Drake Dodge, surrendered to police later that day and admitted to hitting and running Luaders, according to court documents.

Stockwell says he was shocked.

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

Court records show Dodge posted a $20,000 cash bond on Oct. 16. He appeared in court in person Thursday and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The judge found probable cause in the case and sent Dodge to trial.

Ethan’s family members spoke to us after the hearing.

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

Stockwell also hopes for justice, but he 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 floating and missing in our hearts,” Stockwell said.

Dodge will return to court in January.

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

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