WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis. — The victim who died Sunday in a chain reaction crash on I-41 involving 131 vehicles has been identified as 30-year-old Andrew Schefelker, of Oshkosh. Police say Schefelker was a science teacher in the Iola-Scandinavia School District, teaching middle and high school students.
The weather-related crash is the largest in the state’s history, according to Winnebago County Sheriff John Motson.
School officials have resources in place to assist students and staff dealing with their grief over the loss.
During a Monday news conference, Motson said most of the cars and trucks in the 131-vehicle pileup are a total loss.
In addition to the one fatality, 71 people were transported to hospitals following the massive chain reaction crash during whiteout conditions on southbound I-41 in Neenah.
Of the injured victims, 66 people were treated and released and five were admitted to area hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
Other drivers and passengers were safely removed from their stranded vehicles and taken to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Neenah for a warming shelter. The American Red Cross provided them with blankets, food and beverages.
Officials want to make sure damage to each vehicle is thoroughly documented and that they have information on everyone who was in each vehicle at the time of the crash.
Owners will be contacted once vehicles can be released, but owners with questions about their vehicle can call 920-236-7657.
