The Milwaukee police officer involved in a semitruck crash in Oak Creek has died

Milwaukee Police Officer James J. Nowak, who was involved in a crash with a semitruck Sunday, has died.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office notified the Oak Creek Police Department late Wednesday that Nowak, 30, succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash, according to a post on the OCPD Facebook page.

"The Milwaukee Police Department mourns the loss of Officer James Nowak who honorably served the Milwaukee community and our department for over 12 years," Milwaukee police said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and our members who are immensely suffering from this tragedy."

The crash, which happened at 10:31 p.m. Dec. 3 in the 6600 block of South Pennsylvania Avenue, is still under investigation, police said. Authorities said the crash occurred while the semitruck was attempting a U-turn.

When asked if alcohol was believed to be a factor in the incident, Capt. Dave Ashenhurst declined comment, citing an open investigation.

The driver and passenger of the semitruck were not injured and remained on scene. Nowak was the sole occupant of the car, police said.

Nowak, 30, is a Milwaukee native who joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 2011, according to city records. He attended Hamilton High School and loved fishing, hunting and sports, according to his father-in-law, Dennis Bratel.

Bratel said Tuesday the family is devastated by the loss of Nowak, who had not been expected to survive his injuries. Before the crash Sunday, Nowak had been watching a Green Bay Packers game with friends and family at a Milwaukee tavern owned by Bratel, he said.

Bratel said that family and hospital staff were arranging for Nowak to donate his organs.

"He’s giving other people life," Bratel said.

Nowak was partner to Officer Peter Jerving, who was shot and killed in February while attempting to apprehend a suspect on the south side of Milwaukee. The duo were described as best friends by friends and family.

A GoFundMe was created with a $10,000 goal to help with hospital bills, funeral and other expenses. As of Dec. 7, it had over $64,000 in donations.

Elliot Hughes contributed to this report.

Contact Erik S. Hanley aterik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page,The Redheadliner, and follow him on X@Redheadliner.