Driver in fatal crash ticketed for OWI

Authorities say the driver who crossed the center line in a fatal head-on crash Sept. 8 was driving under the influence and after his license had been revoked.

Zackery Dale Wimber, 30, of Fond du Lac, was ticketed for operating under the influence and causing injury for at least the second time, operating while revoked and three other traffic violations, according to an Oconto County Sheriff’s Department traffic report released Sept. 18.

Lisa Marie Neitzel, 52, of Lake Tomahawk, a passenger in the other vehicle, died in the crash, which occurred about 5:30 p.m. on state Highway 32-64 near Sparkys Road in the Town of Mountain.

According to the report, Wimber’s southbound vehicle “was swerving all over the southbound lane,” crossed the center line and crashed head-on into the other vehicle driven by Kaley Violet Neitzel, 15, killing her mother and injuring Kaley and Ronald Neitzel, 54. Wimber and the two surviving Neitzels were all transported to hospitals with what the report describes as suspected serious injuries; Ronald Neitzel was airlifted.

The report indicates that Wimber was operating his vehicle in an “inattentive, careless or erratic manner,” exceeded the speed limit and failed to keep the vehicle under control. He was also ticketed for violating an ignition interlock device order.

Alcohol is not considered a factor, but the report indicates suspected drug use and a blood draw was taken, with results pending.