Milwaukee, WI – A 26-year-old Wisconsin man is facing up to a decade in prison after admitting to taking Snapchat selfies behind the wheel moments before striking and killing a 93-year-old retired priest who was crossing the street using a walker, prosecutors said.
The Incident: Elderly Priest Fatally Struck While Crossing the Street
According to court documents, Clay Schueffner, of St. Cloud, Wisconsin, struck Reverend David H. Gau, 93, on Wisconsin Avenue in February 2024 while distracted by his cellphone. Gau, who was crossing the street with a walker, was thrown through the air and suffered fatal injuries upon landing, the criminal complaint stated.
Witnesses told investigators that Schueffner’s GMC Sierra was traveling eastbound at 42 mph in a 35-mph zone when it hit Gau. Surveillance video confirmed that Schueffner never braked or swerved before impact.
“Gau appears to attempt to hurry across the street, while the GMC maintains speed and does not swerve to avoid him,” the complaint said. “The vehicle strikes Gau, propelling him into the air.”
Investigation and Evidence: Snapchat Activity Revealed
Initially, Schueffner told police he was checking his GPS and looking down at his speedometer when the collision occurred. However, investigators later discovered phone records that revealed a different story.
According to the criminal complaint, Snapchat data showed Schueffner had been taking and sending “selfie” images seconds before the crash.
“Schueffner’s phone created three images on Snapchat — three different selfies of Schueffner sitting in the driver’s seat,” investigators wrote. “The images were sent to three users at 1:39:53 p.m., 1:39:57 p.m., and 1:40:00 p.m. The video was opened at 1:40:18 p.m., seconds before the impact.”
Authorities confirmed that the Snapchat timestamps were consistent with surveillance footage of the collision, proving Schueffner was actively using his phone at the time.
“He was looking at Snapchat on his phone and not looking at the road in front of him,” police said.
When questioned, Schueffner claimed he was traveling near Froedtert Hospital, roughly one mile from the crash site, and admitted to taking his eyes off the road for about four seconds.
Court Proceedings and Charges
On Monday, Schueffner pleaded no contest to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, a felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Prosecutors accused Schueffner of showing “complete disregard for human life” by using Snapchat while driving. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office stated that despite his claims, the evidence proved he was distracted by selfies — not navigation.
Schueffner’s sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Statements and Reactions
Police described the scene as deeply tragic, noting that Gau had waited until it was safe to cross before stepping into the road.
“He thought he better slow down because the speed limit is 35 mph,” Schueffner told police, according to the affidavit. “Between looking at the speedometer and GPS, I looked down for approximately four seconds. When I looked back up, I saw Gau and had no time to react.”
Witnesses said Schueffner appeared shocked after the collision and remained at the scene, repeatedly saying, “I was looking at an address and didn’t see him.”
Background: Victim Remembered as Respected Educator and Clergyman
Father David H. Gau had been a respected priest and teacher for decades. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Gau taught Latin and French at Marquette University High School between 1964 and 1983, where he also served as rector and minister.
He was a beloved member of the St. Camillus Senior Community, where he continued to participate in parish events and mentor younger clergy even in retirement.
Friends and former colleagues described him as a devoted teacher and spiritual guide, known for his kindness and humility.
Legal and Public Safety Context
The fatal crash has reignited debate about distracted driving laws in Wisconsin, particularly the use of social media apps while operating a vehicle. Law enforcement officials have urged stricter penalties for digital distractions that cause fatal accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed more than 3,500 lives nationwide in 2023, with cellphone use being a leading cause.
Local authorities are now calling for public awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies.
Conclusion
As Clay Schueffner awaits sentencing, the death of Father David Gau stands as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of distracted driving. Prosecutors say they hope the case serves as a warning that no message or photo is worth a life.
What are your thoughts on this case and the dangers of distracted driving? Share your opinions in the comments below.
