McCook man killed in collision

A 35-year-old McCook man died in a two-vehicle, head-on collision on a county road southeast of McCook early Saturday morning.

The Nebraska State Patrol reports that Mark A. Hinz died at the scene of the accident four miles southeast of McCook on county road No. 715, near Heartland Cattle Co. The accident happened at 7:45 a.m.

Services for Hinz will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church -- Ash Creek.

State Patrol Trooper Jeremiah Johnson reported that Hinz was driving eastbound when he crossed the center of the road.

At the crest of a hill, Hinz's sport utility vehicle struck a westbound pickup truck driven by Eugene R. Ward, 75, also of McCook. Johnson said the vehicles hit head-on despite Ward's attempts to avoid a collision.

Hinz was dead at the scene.

Ward was transported by Indianola fire and rescue personnel to Community Hospital of McCook and treated for minor injuries. Ward was wearing a seat belt; Hinz was not.

Johnson reports that alcohol is being investigated as a factor contributing to the accident.

Both vehicles were totaled. The road was closed for a time during the investigation.