A devastating collision at the intersection of Lombardi Avenue and Holmgren Way in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, claimed the life of 17-year-old Chloe "Chara" Bishop and left her 45-year-old father with severe injuries on January 30, 2026. According to the criminal complaint, 69-year-old Douglas Proehl of Luxemburg was traveling at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light, striking the Toyota Corolla occupied by Bishop and her father. Officers responding to the scene immediately noted signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and a staggering walk. Proehl admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash and demonstrated confusion when questioned about his whereabouts and activities that evening. He failed multiple field sobriety tests and initially consented to but later refused a blood test before authorities obtained a search warrant. Video footage from WLUK Television station on Lombardi Avenue captured Proehl's truck traveling at noticeably high speed without braking until just before impact. Proehl, who has a prior OWI conviction from 1992 and pending charges from 2022, now faces 46 years in prison. A cash bond of $500,000 was set during his first court appearance on Tuesday.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Lombardi Avenue and Holmgren Way is a significant traffic corridor in Ashwaubenon, located near Lambeau Field and the Titletown District. Lombardi Avenue serves as a major east-west arterial road carrying substantial vehicle traffic, particularly on event days at the stadium. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and experiences high traffic volumes throughout the day. Holmgren Way provides access to commercial developments and connects to nearby retail and entertainment venues. The area features multiple lanes of traffic in each direction and serves as a gateway to Green Bay's sports and entertainment district. The presence of the WLUK Television station on Lombardi Avenue, whose surveillance footage captured the incident, highlights the commercial nature of this corridor. This busy intersection requires careful attention from all motorists, especially during peak traffic hours and special events.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin law provides strict penalties for operating while intoxicated (OWI), particularly in cases resulting in death or great bodily harm. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 940.09, homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle is a Class D felony carrying up to 25 years imprisonment, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders. Victims and their families may pursue civil claims for damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system, though drunk drivers who cause fatal crashes typically bear full liability. Families of fatal crash victims generally have three years from the date of death to file wrongful death claims under Wisconsin law, though consulting with legal counsel promptly is advisable to preserve evidence and protect rights. Insurance considerations may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, as well as claims against the at-fault driver's liability policy. Criminal restitution may also be ordered as part of any criminal conviction.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Green Bay Police Department: (920) 448-3200
• Green Bay Fire Department: (920) 448-3250
• Green Bay Metro Fire Department

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation Safety Programs
• Brown County Traffic Safety Commission
• Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region

Support Services:

• Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Brown County District Attorney's Office
• Wisconsin Crime Victim Rights Board
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Wisconsin

Legal Information:

• Wisconsin OWI Laws: Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 346
• Wisconsin DOT Crash Reports
• Wisconsin State Law Library