Kearney County, NE (October 14, 2025) – A 13-year-old girl died Monday after a passenger car and a semi-truck collided at a major Kearney County intersection, according to local authorities.
Accident Details: The crash occurred just before 12:45 p.m. at Highway 6 and Highway 44. Investigators said a Volkswagen sedan, driven by a 17-year-old from Santa Fe, New Mexico, was traveling east on Highway 6 and began a left turn onto Highway 44 when it was struck by a 2019 Peterbilt pulling an empty tanker. The teen passenger was airlifted to CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, where she was pronounced dead. The truck driver, identified as a 60-year-old man from O’Neill, remained at the scene and cooperated with responders. The intersection was partially closed for several hours while deputies documented the scene and crews cleared wreckage.
Investigation: Officials are reconstructing the sequence of events, including turn timing, approach speeds, and sightlines at the intersection. Evidence under review includes impact points, debris patterns, and statements from involved parties and witnesses. Authorities have not announced citations and have not released the victim’s name pending family notification. Further updates are expected once the investigative report is complete.
Legal Considerations: Collisions at high-speed rural intersections frequently hinge on right-of-way, safe turning practices, and driver attentiveness. In fatal crashes involving a semi-truck, investigators and insurers may also assess maintenance records, driver duty hours, and other safety-compliance issues. Families who lose a loved one may pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, loss of support, and other damages if negligence is established.
This is a heartbreaking loss for the Kearney County community. My sincere condolences go out to the teen’s family and friends.
Source: KSNB Local4