Pianist who died from being hit by truck ‘lived with love, moxie and grace’

The 79-year-old woman who died after being hit by a trash truck on Wednesday afternoon was described as someone who “lived with love, moxie and grace.”

Carol Denning was walking south on Laurel Drive as a Waste Management truck was backing down the street when it hit her, Wichita police Officer Charley Davidson said.

Denning was taken to the hospital at around 12:45 p.m. and later died, he said.

An accident follow-up team responded to the scene, Davidson said.

“I don’t believe (the driver) probably knew she was there,” he said. “It’s a very unfortunate and tragic case.”

Denning was a local pianist and teacher.

“She brought music and sunshine with her everywhere she went,” Jill Miller said. “Carol knew how to live a creative life, and lived every minute to the fullest. She was magical. I will always think of her as one of my sheroes and will miss her terribly.”

Kathy Deane said all of her memories of Denning are delightful.

“She was one of the brightest lights on the planet,” she said. “Carol loved music whether she was writing songs, singing or listening to others play her soul shined. I was shocked to find out she was 79. She seemed to be close to 61. Gorgeous, dynamic, fiery and living each day to its fullest.”

Denning will live on through her music.

“As I looked at pictures and videos on her YouTube channel I see the last thing she liked just 2 days ago was a song called, ‘Another Great Day to Be Alive,’” Deane said. “I believe with all my heart that is her way to remind us to live each day to the fullest because it is another great day to be alive.”

She also showed her musical talents at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, of which she was a member.

" Those of us who knew her from the UU church are still reeling with shock and grief, for it doesn't seem possible for us to be without her now," Debbie Wadman said. "She recently gave a talk at church about her involvement with music and how she and was raised using singing as family bonding experience and entertainment for her and her many siblings.  It was so touching."

Waste Management issued a statement on Thursday.

“This is a heartbreaking incident and our deepest sympathies go out to Mrs. Denning’s family and friends. We would like to extend our gratitude to the Wichita Police Department and the other first responders who attended and assisted at the scene. We are continuing to fully cooperate with the authorities as they investigate this incident.”

Company officials declined to answer questions about operations or Wednesday’s collision because the incident remains under investigation, “other than to reaffirm that safety is a top priority for our company and our employees, and that we care about the neighborhoods we serve.”

Contributing: Stan Finger of The Eagle

This story was originally published November 16, 2017 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Pianist who died from being hit by truck ‘lived with love, moxie and grace’."