The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate a car vs motorcycle crash that killed the motorcycle operator and passenger. The crash happened Friday evening on Van Dyne Road at Subway Road when a vehicle failed to stop for a stop sign, striking a motorcycle. The victims were identified as 58 year old Paul De Lap and 56 year old Pamela De Lap both of Oshkosh. Paul DeLap was a Winnebago County Highway Department foreman and Pamela De Lap was a former member of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. The car driver, 17 year old Lily Miller of Fond du Lac, received minor injuries. A preliminary investigation shows inattentive driving was a factor in the crash.
Winnebago County remembers the De Laps as dedicated public servants:
“On behalf of the Winnebago County government and citizens, we remember the Delaps for their years of service to our county,” said Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel. “Paul had been a dedicated employee of our highway department since 1991 and eventually elevated to the position of paving foreman. Pam was a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and a proud BPDD Partners in Policymaking graduate. Pam was instrumental in the construction of an accessible playground in the city of Oshkosh and spend countless hours volunteering for disability initiatives statewide.” Winnebago County Highway Commissioner Bob Doemel remembered his paving foreman by stating, “Paul
‘Frenchie’ wore his passion on his sleeve. Paul was a bridgetender, equipment operator, and strong leader on our team. Whether it was clearing roads of snowfall or ensuring a properly maintained road infrastructure, Paul was always willing to lend a hand. We will miss him and his devotion to our county.” County Executive Doemel added, “I want to thank Fond du Lac County Executive Sam Kaufman and Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt for their compassion during this time. I appreciate their collaboration as our county government family mourns two passionate public servants. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Delaps’ friends and family. Additionally, we ask the community to keep the other driver in their prayers as she navigates this tragedy.” County leaders spent Saturday calling Paul’s coworkers. The county has been in contact with the BPDD, WisDOT,
and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The county executive and highway commissioner met with highway employees when they return to work on Tuesday. Winnebago County Human Services staff including crisis debriefers will be on hand for employees. Crisis and mental health services are available to the public 24/7 by calling the crisis hotline at (920) 233-7707. Additional behavioral health resources are available by dialing 211 or visiting 211.org. The county is working to display Delap’s plow truck as a temporary memorial for their colleague. Coworkers have already erected a memorial with a county hat for Paul.
