Austin Luehring, 27, killed in wrong-way crash on Interstate 41 in Grand Chute, Wisconsin

Modified Date: 
Thu, 11/14/2024 - 7:53am
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, November 5, 2024

27-year-old man killed in wrong-way crash on I-41 in Outagamie County

Preliminary reports indicate that the man, from Neenah, was traveling southbound on I-41 when he was hit by a northbound SUV driven by a 77-year-old woman from Hortonville, who had been driving in the wrong lane.

Officials identify victim in fatal wrong-way crash on I-41 in Outagamie County

The driver was identified as 77-year-old Rosalie Polsin of Hortonville.

Fatal Wrong-Way Collision on Interstate 41 in Grand Chute, Wisconsin Claims Life of Neenah Man

A devastating wrong-way collision on Interstate 41 resulted in the death of a 27-year-old Neenah man on Tuesday night in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. The incident occurred shortly after 10:15 p.m. near Lynndale Drive when a northbound SUV, driven by a 77-year-old Hortonville woman, was traveling in the wrong direction in the southbound lanes. The victim was traveling southbound in the correct lane when his vehicle was struck by the wrong-way driver. Emergency responders from the Wisconsin State Patrol and local agencies quickly arrived at the scene, but tragically, the Neenah man was pronounced dead at the location. The female driver was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Wisconsin State Patrol has taken charge of the investigation to determine the full circumstances of this fatal collision.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred on Interstate 41, a major north-south highway artery that serves as a crucial transportation corridor through the Fox Valley region. The accident site near Lynndale Drive is situated in Grand Chute, a growing suburban community adjacent to Appleton. This stretch of I-41 typically experiences heavy traffic flow, particularly during evening hours, as it connects major Fox Valley communities including Neenah, Appleton, and Green Bay. The highway features standard interstate safety measures including clear directional signage, reflective markers, and multiple entry/exit ramps. The Lynndale Drive area is well-lit and includes prominent wrong-way driving warnings at all entrance points.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, victims of wrong-way driving accidents and their families may be entitled to significant compensation through various legal channels. Wisconsin's statute of limitations allows three years from the date of the accident to file personal injury or wrongful death claims. Compensation may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship in wrongful death cases. Insurance considerations typically involve both drivers' policies, with wrong-way driving incidents often classified as major traffic violations that can significantly impact liability determinations. Wisconsin's comparative negligence laws may affect compensation amounts, though wrong-way driving cases typically establish clear liability. An experienced Grand Chute car accident attorney will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

  • Grand Chute Police Department: (920) 832-1575
  • Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region: (920) 929-3700
  • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton: (920) 731-4101

Traffic Safety Resources:

  • Wisconsin DOT Zero in Wisconsin Campaign
  • Fox Valley Transportation Safety Council
  • WisDOT Wrong Way Driving Prevention Program

Support Services:

  • Wisconsin Crime Victim Services: (800) 446-6564
  • MADD Wisconsin Chapter: (877) 623-3435
  • Fox Valley Grief Support Groups

Legal References:

  • Wisconsin State Statutes Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road)
  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation Crash Reports
  • Wisconsin Civil Court System
Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Austin Luehring
Rosalie Polsin
Roadway: 
Interstate 41