Fond du Lac man sentenced to 4 years of probation for hit-and-run that killed retired priest
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Fond du Lac man was sentenced to four years of probation Friday, for hitting and killing a 93-year-old retired priest in 2024.
In addition to probation, Clay Schueffner was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.
Father David Gau
Schueffner is required, for at least 100 of those hours, to travel to schools in the Milwaukee County and Fond du Lac County areas, to speak to high school students about the dangers of distracted driving.
“One dumb mistake. One stupid decision,” said Judge David Borowski.
That's how Judge Borowski described the fatal crash that took Father David Gau's life back in February of 2024.
“A former priest lost his life, and lost it in a very, very tragic fashion,” said Borowski.
Investigators say then-24-year-old Schueffner was driving near W. Wisconsin Avenue and N. 103rd St. shortly before 2 p.m. when he hit Father Gau, who was crossing the street.
“He was traveling approximately 38 miles per hour at the time of impact, which is only three miles per hour over,” said prosecutor Ian Vance-Curzan.
Video played in the courtroom shows the moment of impact. Investigators say data from the phone shows Schueffner was using Snapchat on just before he hit Father Gau.
“It doesn’t look like he braked at all before hitting the victim,” said Borowski.
Schueffner pleaded no contest to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.
“He was otherwise driving not poorly; it was the fact that he was not paying attention that causes this to be a criminally negligent act,” said Vance-Curzan.
Speaking to the courtroom, Schueffner acknowledged this was a tragedy he now has to live with for the rest of his life.
“I recognize forgiveness may never be possible, but if there ever is a chance or opportunity to make amends, I will do everything I can to do so,” said Schueffner.