August 11, 2023 – Fond du Lac Co., WI – On Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 5:49 p.m. the Fond du Lac County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting an individual was trapped underneath an inflatable floating dock in a swimming pond at the Breezy Hill Campground, N4177 Cearns Lane, in the Town of Byron.
Deputies with the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office along the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, City of Fond du Lac Ambulance, Eden Fire Department, Eden First Responders, Campbellsport Ambulance, Campbellsport Dive Team and Campbellsport Fire Department responded to the scene.
Prior to the Dive team’s arrival, two members with the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team removed their patrol gear and entered the water before their dive equipment arrived, to begin search efforts. At 6:26 p:m. an unresponsive male, identified as Paul Becker, 39, of Fond du Lac, was recovered in 10 feet of water. The victim was brought to shore where emergency medical personnel started resuscitation efforts. He was transported by ambulance to St Agnes Hospital. At 7:24 p.m., doctors at St Agnes Hospital pronounced the victim deceased.
The victim was visiting the campground with a local organization that works to support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This incident remains under investigation by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office.
Sergeant Matthew Riemenschneider
Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office
I was there the exact same day as this drowning, but left four hours prior to that. I literally the day before almost did the exact samething. we even let and spoke to Breezyhill campground to let them know that pond is dangerous and they need a lifeguard on duty!! The deepest part of the pod reaches 12 feet deep. As soon as you walk, 2 feet into the water, it instantly drops and you can’t see anything. They should at least be providing life jackets for children, or even adults if they choose. I saw that whole group of people come and start swimming. This breaks my heart.