Initially, the sheriff’s office had announced that a 64-year-old man from Oconto, Michael LaCourt, lost his life when his pickup truck turned south onto the highway from County W and was rear-ended by a car driven by 39-year-old Allen LaViolette from Denmark, who was also traveling south. According to witness accounts in the sheriff’s crash report, LaViolette was driving at “an excessive rate of speed.” As LaCourt attempted to merge into the right lane of U.S. 41, LaViolette also switched to the right lane at the same moment, colliding with the back of LaCourt’s vehicle. The impact caused LaCourt’s pickup to flip and roll into the median. Both drivers were ejected from their vehicles. LaCourt was pronounced dead at the scene, while LaViolette was transported to Aurora Medical Center – BayArea in Marinette, then to Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, and ultimately to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, where he passed away on May 20^th. A celebration of life for Michael “Chico” LaCourt is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 31 at Irish Greens Golf Club & Restaurant, in Oconto. Arrangements are being handled by Gallagher Funeral Home. Details of a memorial service for LaViolette, who was born in Oconto Falls, will be announced later.