3 days ago
Oconto County crash on May 16 claimed the lives of two drivers, sheriff's office announces
A second man has died as a result of the May 16 crash on U.S. 41 in the town of Little River, the Oconto County Sheriff's Office released May 30.
Previously, the sheriff's office said a 64-year-old Oconto man had been killed when his pickup truck turned south onto the highway from County W and was struck from behind by a car driven by a 39-year-old Denmark man, also heading southbound.
The Oconto man was identified as Michael LaCourt, who died May 16, while the Denmark man was Allen LaViolette, who died May 20.
The sheriff's department's crash report said LaViolette was traveling "at an excessive rate of speed," according to witnesses. After LaCourt attempted to get into the right lane of U.S. 41, LaViolette also veered into the right lane at the same time striking the back of of LaCourt's pickup truck causing it to flip and roll into the median.
Both drivers were ejected from their vehicles. LaCourt was pronounced deceased at the scene, while LaViolette was transported to Aurora Medical Center - BayArea in Marinette then to Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay. LaViolette's obituary said he eventually ended up at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.
A celebration of life for Michael 'Chico' LaCourt will be held 2 p.m. May 31 at Irish Greens Golf Club & Restaurant, 2946 Logtown Road, Oconto, according to Gallagher Funeral Home.
A celebration of life for LaViolette, who was born in Oconto Falls, will be determined at a later date, according to his obituary.
'Chico found happiness in the everyday: a cold beer, a good NASCAR race or ball game on TV, and the company of friends in the garage, swapping stories and sharing laughs,' his obituary said. 'His easygoing nature and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.'
LaCourt is survived by his wife, Tina LaCourt, his children, Marty LaCourt and Marissa Hogan, and stepchildren, Rachel Janda and Timmy Smith.
"Allen's life was a blessing but his memory will be a treasure knowing he was an organ donor and his legacy will live on in so many others," his obituary said.
LaViolette is survived by his mother, Chris Anderson; sister, Amanda Antonson; brother, Randy LaViolette; and his children, Quentin, Kira and Westin.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Drivers LaCourt, LaViolette died in Oconto County crash on US 41
