In the News - 497 Austin Alert

Key Points

Incident Overview: Research indicates that on November 5, 2024, 27-year-old Austin Lavicka Luehring from Neenah, Wisconsin, was killed in a head-on collision on Interstate 41 near Appleton when a vehicle driven by 78-year-old Rosalie Polsin from Hortonville entered the highway going the wrong way. Evidence suggests Polsin realized her error but was unable to correct it due to construction barriers, leading to the crash.
Legal Status: Polsin faces a charge of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle; she pleaded not guilty in October 2025, with no trial date set and a next court appearance on December 5, 2025. The case highlights ongoing discussions around elderly driver safety and medication effects, though no definitive impairment has been established.
Victim Impact: Luehring’s death has sparked community tributes and a road safety initiative by his family, emphasizing the broader implications of such incidents on families and highway safety. Reports indicate these events, while tragic, underscore the need for improved alert systems, with no evidence of controversy around the facts of the crash itself.

Crash Details

The collision occurred around 10:20 p.m. on November 5, 2024, in the southbound lanes of I-41 near Lynndale Drive in Grand Chute, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. Polsin, driving a 2019 Subaru Outback, entered the highway northbound in the southbound lanes via a ramp near College Avenue. She collided head-on with Luehring’s 2005 BMW 325. Luehring sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while Polsin was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities from multiple departments responded after reports of a wrong-way driver, but the crash happened before they could intervene.

About Austin Lavicka Luehring

Austin Lavicka Luehring, born April 13, 1997, was a 27-year-old Neenah resident known for his compassionate nature, musical talents, and community involvement. He worked at a memory care facility, where he sang to residents and provided care, and had skills in IT, remodeling, and aviation. Raised primarily by his mother, Christina LaVicka, after his parents’ divorce, he shared close bonds through travels, music, and volunteering. He was returning home from work when the crash occurred.

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Austin Lavicka Luehring Obituary November 5, 2024 – Wichmann …

Driver and Investigation Insights

Rosalie Polsin, 78, reported being on medications like Oxycontin and Tylenol following surgery, which she said caused occasional confusion. In interviews, she expressed regret, noting she realized her mistake immediately but couldn’t turn around due to construction walls and failed to find a crossover. She estimated traveling at 45-50 mph out of fear from oncoming traffic. No alcohol or illegal substances were mentioned in reports, and the focus remains on negligence.

Legal Proceedings

Polsin was charged on May 5, 2025, with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. She made an initial court appearance in June 2025, where a $100,000 signature bond was set, and she was released on bail June 10. On October 7, 2025, she pleaded not guilty at her arraignment. As of late November 2025, no trial date is scheduled, and her next hearing is December 5, 2025. The case is ongoing in Outagamie County Court.

Memorial and Safety Initiatives

In response to the tragedy, Luehring’s mother and friends established the “497 Austin Alert” program to promote real-time hazard alerts for drivers. This voice-activated system aims to notify nearby vehicles and emergency services of dangers like wrong-way drivers. A memorial gathering is planned for August 2025 near the Oshkosh Air Show site, with tributes including a memory bench and plaque. For more, visit https://497austinalert.com.

In-Depth Report on the November 2024 I-41 Wrong-Way Crash Involving Austin Lavicka Luehring and Rosalie Polsin

The fatal collision on Interstate 41 in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, on November 5, 2024, serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in highway travel, particularly concerning wrong-way driving incidents. This event, which claimed the life of 27-year-old Austin Lavicka Luehring, has not only prompted legal scrutiny but also inspired community-driven efforts to enhance road safety. Drawing from official reports, court documents, and personal accounts, this comprehensive overview examines the crash’s circumstances, the individuals involved, the ongoing legal process, investigative findings, and broader implications, including memorial initiatives.

Timeline of Events

To provide clarity on the sequence of events, the following table outlines key milestones from the incident to the latest court developments:

Date	Event Description
November 5, 2024	Crash occurs at approximately 10:20 p.m. on southbound I-41 near Lynndale Drive, Grand Chute. Rosalie Polsin’s Subaru Outback collides head-on with Austin Lavicka Luehring’s BMW 325 after entering the wrong way via a ramp near College Avenue. Luehring is pronounced dead at the scene; Polsin is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
November 7, 2024	Authorities publicly identify the victim as Austin Lavicka Luehring, 27, from Neenah, and the driver as Rosalie Polsin, then 77, from Hortonville.
November 10, 2024	Polsin provides a hospital interview to investigators, detailing her realization of the wrong-way entry and inability to correct due to construction barriers.
May 5, 2025	Polsin is formally charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle in Outagamie County.
June 10, 2025	Polsin is booked into Outagamie County Jail and released after posting $100,000 bail. A signature bond is set during her initial court appearance.
June 11, 2025	Media reports detail Polsin’s court appearance and the homicide charge.
August 29, 2025	Scheduled preliminary hearing (as initially noted, though no updates confirm occurrence).
October 7, 2025	Polsin pleads not guilty at her arraignment. No trial date is set.
December 5, 2025	Upcoming plea hearing in Outagamie County Court.
August 2025	Planned “Austin’s Gathering” memorial event near the Oshkosh Air Show site.

This timeline illustrates the progression from the immediate aftermath to the protracted legal process, highlighting delays common in negligent homicide cases involving vehicular incidents.

Crash Circumstances and Investigation

The incident unfolded when Polsin, after shopping on College Avenue, inadvertently entered the southbound lanes of I-41 heading northbound. Dispatch received alerts about the wrong-way vehicle, prompting responses from law enforcement, but the collision occurred before interception. At the scene, both vehicles were found with significant damage, and Luehring was unresponsive with severe trauma.

Investigative interviews revealed Polsin’s account: She immediately recognized her error upon entering the ramp but was hindered by construction walls from turning around. She searched for a crossover but couldn’t locate one, all while aware of approaching vehicles. Polsin did not recall braking before impact and estimated her speed at 45-50 mph, attributed to fear. She expressed deep regret for not exiting sooner.

Contributing factors explored include Polsin’s post-surgery medications—Oxycontin and Tylenol—which she noted caused occasional confusion, though she was deemed coherent during questioning. No evidence of alcohol, drugs beyond prescribed, or intentional misconduct was reported. The Wisconsin State Patrol and local authorities conducted the probe, focusing on negligence rather than criminal intent.

Profile of Austin Lavicka Luehring

Austin Lavicka Luehring was a multifaceted individual whose life was marked by kindness, creativity, and service. Born on April 13, 1997, he grew to 6 feet tall and was remembered for his infectious smile, wit, and perfect pitch in singing. Raised in Neenah after his parents’ divorce at age six, he maintained a close relationship with his mother, Christina LaVicka, sharing activities like music, volunteering at shelters, and travels to places such as the Grand Canyon and Washington, D.C.

Professionally, Luehring worked at a memory care facility, where he connected deeply with residents through song and care. He had IT skills, remodeling expertise, and aviation interests, including drone flying and Young Eagles flights. Hobbies included playing piano and guitar, writing songs, rescuing animals (e.g., a baby mouse and a dog named Mira), and outdoor adventures. He was deeply spiritual, keeping a Bible bedside and sharing verses like Proverbs 10:12. Luehring’s obituary, penned by his mother, portrays him as a “servant’s heart” who prioritized helping others, leaving no enemies but many admirers. His death occurred while driving home from work, with his guitar damaged in the wreckage.

Family includes his mother Christina, grandparents (including the late Norbert A. Lavicka), and extended relatives like cousins Judith, Jean, and Scott. Tributes emphasize his legacy of love, with friends sharing stories of his support during crises.

Profile of Rosalie Polsin

Rosalie Marie Polsin, now 78, resides in Hortonville (though some reports list Weyauwega). Limited personal details are available, as media focus on the legal aspects. She was recovering from surgery at the time of the crash, which may have influenced her state of mind. In statements, she cooperated with investigators, providing consistent accounts of the events. No prior driving incidents or criminal history related to this case have been publicly disclosed.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The charge of homicide by negligent operation stems from Wisconsin statutes addressing careless driving leading to death. Polsin’s not guilty plea on October 7, 2025, sets the stage for potential defenses around mitigating factors like medication or road conditions. Court records indicate a $100,000 bail, reflecting the seriousness of the felony. As of November 26, 2025, the case remains active, with the December 5 hearing likely to address plea negotiations or scheduling. Legal experts note such cases often hinge on proving negligence beyond reasonable doubt, potentially involving expert testimony on medication effects and highway design.

Memorial Initiatives and Broader Impact

Luehring’s death has catalyzed the “497 Austin Alert” program, led by his mother Christina LaVicka. This initiative proposes a voice-activated alert system (“Austin Alert”) that uses satellite positioning to warn drivers within a 2-mile radius of hazards, while notifying emergency services. It could integrate with apps like Waze or Google Maps, with opt-out options. Currently in research, it aims to address delays in traditional 911 responses. Supporters can join via email at [email protected] or follow on social media.

Additional memorials include a bench at his workplace, a plaque near his grandfather’s lakeside bench, and the August 2025 gathering with a “missing man formation” flyover. The tragedy underscores national concerns about wrong-way crashes, often linked to confusion, impairment, or signage issues, prompting calls for enhanced barriers and technology. Community responses emphasize empathy for all parties, recognizing the unintended nature while advocating for prevention.

This report synthesizes available data as of November 26, 2025, acknowledging the case’s sensitivity and the potential for updates post-December hearing.

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