Driver in fatal car-bike crash appears in court

Owen W. Ward, 20, Waupaca, is charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle.

At 1:34 p.m. Thursday, July 16, Waupaca County deputies responded to a fatal collision on Stratton Lake Road at the intersection with Holmnlane Road in Dayton.

Upon arrival, officers found a Chevy Cobalt with significant impact damage to its windshield.

The vehicle was on Stratton Lake Road, angled partially off the westbound lane, facing east.

The found a bicycle on Holmnlane, adjacent to the stop sign.

The victim, 67-year-old Debra Johnson, Neenah, was airlifted by ThedaStar to a hospital in Neenah where she died from her injuries.

According to the criminal complaint, Ward told investigators that he slowed down to about 42 mph after seeing a 35 mph speed limit sign earlier.

He said he did not see the cyclist until she was in the middle of the road. He hit the front of her bike and she flew into his windshield, he said.

A witness denied seeing the vehicle as Johnson proceeded into the intersection.

The Wisconsin State Patrol investigated the scene of the crash.

They reported skid marks that started 167 feet before the point of impact.

“The skid marks initially travel relatively straight in the eastbound lane before veering left into the westbound lane after contact with the victim,” the complaint says.

The state investigators determined the vehicle was travelling in excess of 60 mph in a 35 mph zone.

They noted that had it been going the posted speed limit, the Cobalt could have stopped in less than 40 feet.

Ward appeared in court for a bond hearing Friday, July 31.

Judge Raymond Huber ordered Ward could be released from custody on a $5,000 cash bond or a $5,000 signature bond co-signed by his sister.