In Memoriam: Hannah Goman

Carolyn Hauschild

Photo from this spring’s 2022 Dancescape exhibition, which recently passed Winona State University sophomore, Hannah Goman, was part of. “Hannah was an extremely compelling performer. She was very vivacious in an unselfconscious way, and she had a rare capacity to physicalize emotion with her entire body,” Dance Director Erin Drummond said. “When I watched her, I didn’t just see her, I felt her.”

McKenna Scherer and Heidi Hanson

Less than two weeks ago, Winona State University held its first in-person Dancescape exhibition in two years from Feb. 17-19, 2022, where the final performance was dedicated to Hannah Goman.

Hannah Goman, 20, of Stevens Point, Wis., was a sophomore studying social work and criminal justice and was also a Dancescape performer. She tragically passed away after midnight on Saturday, Feb. 19.

Hannah was traveling in a car with two others when they were hit by a pickup truck driver heading the wrong way on Highway 61 in Winona. The crash occurred after midnight on Feb. 19.

Both the driver and other passenger in the vehicle with Hannah were treated at Winona Health, but Hannah passed due to her injuries.

Adam S. Anderson, 35, of Winona was charged with homicide last week following the crash, leaving with no reported injuries. His passenger, Trena L. Anderson, was also reportedly uninjured. A. Anderson’s first court appearance is scheduled for March 2.

Hannah was honored by the Winona State community at Dancescape’s Saturday performance, roses and candles lining the stage near a photo of her. Donations were gathered at the performance for the Goman family as well, alongside numerous fundraisers in both Wisconsin and Minnesota held in the days after her passing.

Jayde Grass, co-president of Dance Society and longtime Dancescape performer, shared words gathered from fellow dancers and friends of Hannah.

“Hannah was an incredible dancer with such a bright and loving soul. We are so glad we got to share the stage with her while doing what she loved the most. Hannah posted a picture on Instagram her last night with us. It was a cast picture that read “family forever.” This is something that will remain true for the rest of our lifetimes with or without her being here physically. Hannah will always be part of our family and her soul and spirit continuously lives with us through our performances and through everyday life.”

Winona State’s Dance Program Director, Erin Drummond, also extended words in remembrance of Hannah.

“Hannah was an extremely compelling performer. She was very vivacious in an unselfconscious way, and she had a rare capacity to physicalize emotion with her entire body,” Drummond said. “When I watched her, I didn’t just see her, I felt her.”

Prior to Hannah’s funeral service, held on Saturday, Feb. 26 in Plover, Wis., the Winona State Dance Society gathered 53 people to paint rocks in remembrance. Dance Society’s Facebook page posted photos of the rocks and gathering on Feb. 21, ending the post with “#familyforever”.

Photos shared by the WSU Dance Society Facebook page on Feb. 21. “We are so blessed to have had such a good outcome of people tonight to paint rocks for Hannah. 53 people came to celebrate her life and make rocks for this Saturday. #familyforever”
Photos shared by the WSU Dance Society Facebook page on Feb. 21. “We are so blessed to have had such a good outcome of people tonight to paint rocks for Hannah. 53 people came to celebrate her life and make rocks for this Saturday. #familyforever”
Photos shared by the WSU Dance Society Facebook page on Feb. 21. “We are so blessed to have had such a good outcome of people tonight to paint rocks for Hannah. 53 people came to celebrate her life and make rocks for this Saturday. #familyforever”
Photos shared by the WSU Dance Society Facebook page on Feb. 21. “We are so blessed to have had such a good outcome of people tonight to paint rocks for Hannah. 53 people came to celebrate her life and make rocks for this Saturday. #familyforever”

According to the Stevens Point Journal, Hannah is survived by her mother, father, brother, boyfriend and numerous extended family members, including grandparents, a godmother, aunts, uncles and cousins. Hannah was very active in the community and in school activities growing up, including dance, which she continued to be passionate about in college.

A gofundme created by family friend Korryn Dean, “Help the Goman family!” has garnered more than 300 donations since its creation on Feb. 20, exceeding its $15,000 goal. As of Feb. 28, $19,630 had been donated.

A local nonprofit, The Power of $5, also fundraised for the Goman family. As of Feb. 26, $24,650 had been raised.