APPLETON, WI, (April 9, 2026) – A 72-year-old woman, Margaret Hopfensperger, died after sustaining critical injuries in a two-vehicle crash caused by an intoxicated teenage driver earlier this month in Appleton.
According to the Appleton Police Department, the crash occurred just before 7 a.m. on April 9 at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Meade Street. Investigators said a 17-year-old driver ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, causing one of the vehicles to overturn.
Authorities confirmed that the teenager was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Hopfensperger, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was critically injured and transported for medical care. She later succumbed to her injuries on April 24. Her husband, who was also in the vehicle, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.
The teenage driver was also hospitalized with significant injuries and has not been placed in detention due to his medical condition. The Outagamie County District Attorney is reviewing multiple charges, including homicide by use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol content.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
