Distracted Driving Investigated To Be The Cause Of Double Fatal Crash On Highway 23

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, at approximately 1:00pm, the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received multiple emergency calls of a two-vehicle head on crash on Highway 23 near Heinrich Road located in the Town of Lamartine, Fond du Lac County.

Initial information provided by those on scene indicated that each driver was unconscious and non-responsive.

Deputies from the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Lamartine Fire Department and First Responders, North Fond du Lac Fire and EMS, and Wisconsin State Patrol responded to the scene. Upon arrival by deputies, both drivers were already deceased.

Initial information provided by witnesses indicate that the eastbound vehicle crossed the center line and crashed in to a westbound vehicle. Witnesses indicate that this eastbound vehicle had previously crossed the centerline once already before coming back in the lane of travel and then crossed again before striking the westbound vehicle.

The eastbound vehicle was operated by a 19-year-old Rosendale woman. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. The westbound vehicle was operated by a 64-year-old Ripon man. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.

Based on witness statements and the initial investigation, it is believed that the driver of the eastbound vehicle may have been distracted by use of a cell phone, however this has not been confirmed and the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office. Names of the drivers are not being released at this time pending notification of next kin.