Green Lake Community Mourns 12-Year-Old Emmet Zodrow After Tragic Bicycle Accident
GREEN LAKE, WI — An overwhelming wave of sorrow has swept through the peaceful community of Green Lake following the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Emmet Zodrow, a bright, kind-hearted, and beloved 12-year-old boy, who tragically lost his life in a bicycle accident on the grounds of the Castecker Library on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
According to the Green Lake Police Department, the accident occurred around 3:30 p.m. near the parking area of the Castecker Public Library, a place Emmet visited often and loved dearly. Witnesses say Emmet had been riding his bicycle at the time when he lost control on a slope and collided with a stationary vehicle. Emergency medical services were called immediately, and first responders arrived within minutes. Despite exhaustive life-saving efforts, Emmet succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The news of his passing has devastated not only his immediate family but the entire Green Lake community, which has rallied together in a powerful outpouring of grief, love, and support. Vigils, memorials, and countless social media tributes now fill the town as residents struggle to process the loss of a child whose light shone so brightly in such a short life.
Emmet was a student at Green Lake Elementary School, where he was known for his infectious smile, curious mind, and boundless energy. Teachers and classmates remember him as a gifted student who loved reading, nature walks, and science experiments. A budding artist and animal lover, Emmet was often seen with a sketchbook in hand or volunteering at local community events alongside his parents.
“Emmet was the kind of child who brought joy to every room he entered,” said Principal Lacey Brenner. “He was kind, respectful, and full of imagination. His loss is an unimaginable tragedy for all of us.”
In the days following the accident, the steps of the Castecker Library have become an impromptu memorial site. Flowers, candles, hand-drawn cards, and stuffed animals now line the front steps—silent testaments to a young life that touched so many. The library, which Emmet often visited after school, closed its doors temporarily to honor his memory and allow staff and patrons time to grieve.
Emmet’s family, though devastated, has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming love and support shown by neighbors, classmates, and friends. In a brief statement released by his parents, they shared, “Emmet brought us endless joy every single day. He was our sunshine, our teacher, and our heart. We ask for privacy as we grieve, and we thank the community for holding us up during this unbearable time.”
To honor Emmet’s legacy, the Zodrow family is establishing a scholarship fund and a children’s reading corner at the library in his name—ensuring that his love for learning and storytelling continues to inspire others for generations to come.
Grief counselors have been made available to students, staff, and community members, and the school district has planned several support events in the coming week, including a celebration of Emmet’s life where friends and classmates can share memories, artwork, and stories.
A funeral service for Emmet Zodrow will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Green Lake, with a public visitation the evening before. The community is invited to attend and pay their respects to a boy who, in just 12 short years, made a lasting and unforgettable mark.
As the City of Green Lake mourns, one thing remains clear: Emmet Zodrow’s memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though his time on earth was brief, the joy, kindness, and wonder he brought into the world will live on eternally.