Waverly, NE (April 24, 2026) – A 62-year-old woman has died after being run over by a trailer on Interstate 80 near Waverly. Charlene Lautenschlager of Palmer passed away Thursday, April 24, from multiple fractures she suffered in the incident, which took place on April 14.
The crash involved a westbound Ford F-250 pickup truck hauling a trailer loaded with approximately 100 wood pallets. Part of the load fell onto the roadway near mile marker 410, prompting the 64-year-old driver and Lautenschlager to pull onto the shoulder to clear the debris. While Lautenschlager stood behind the trailer to watch for additional falling pallets, the driver began backing up and ran over her. She was taken to a hospital in Lincoln, where she later died from her injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Charlene Lautenschlager.
What Makes Roadside Debris Incidents on Nebraska Highways So Dangerous?
When cargo falls from a vehicle onto a highway, it creates an immediate hazard for everyone nearby. Drivers who stop to clear debris from the road face serious risks, particularly on high-speed interstates like I-80 in Lancaster County. The shoulder of a highway may feel like a safe area, but vehicles moving at speed — or even at low speeds while maneuvering — can still pose a deadly threat to anyone standing nearby.
Backing up on a highway shoulder is especially risky because visibility behind large trucks and trailers is often limited. A driver may not be able to see a person standing directly behind the vehicle. These situations highlight how quickly a roadside stop can turn dangerous, even when everyone involved is simply trying to fix a problem.
