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Victim Dies Following April 14 Interstate 80 Crash C6002693


Date: April 24, 2026
For More Information: Kelsey M. Cruz, kcruz@lancaster.ne.gov

Victim Dies Following April 14 Interstate 80 Crash

62-year-old Charlene Lautenschlager of Palmer, NE, who was injured in a crash on April 14, 2026, has died as a result of her injuries.

Deputies were sent to the area of Interstate 80 near mile marker 410 on a report involving a truck and trailer that had run over an individual.

The preliminary investigation determined the trailer, which was carrying multiple wood pallets, lost part of its load onto the roadway. The driver, 64-year-old Leslie Lautenschlager, and Charlene stopped to remove the pallets from the road.

While Charlene was attempting to pick up the wood pallets, she was run over by the trailer. She was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, including multiple fractures to her lower body. Charlene died on April 23, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Waverly Fire and Rescue, Southeast Fire and Rescue and the Nebraska State Patrol for their assistance on scene.

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Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
575 South 10th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-441-6500
lso@lancaster.ne.gov