State Patrol responds to fatal crashes

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting investigations into several fatal crashes that occurred amid Friday's winter storm. Troopers were summoned to 14 crashes and provided assistance to 36 motorists in regions grappling with winter driving conditions from Friday into Saturday morning.

Around 2:10 p.m. on Friday, troopers were dispatched to a crash on Interstate 80 near mile marker 184 involving three vehicles. According to preliminary findings, a westbound GMC Yukon lost control, crossed the median, and collided with an eastbound Honda SUV and a semi. The GMC driver, Lezter Juarez, 27, and passenger Janice Arriaga-Martinez, 25, both from Lincoln, were ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene.

All four occupants of the Honda were transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte with serious injuries. Three have since been moved to UNMC in Omaha for further treatment. The semi driver emerged uninjured. I-80 reopened around 8:30 p.m.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. on Friday, NSP responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-80 near mile marker 211. A westbound Ford pickup lost control in winter driving conditions and rolled. The driver, Joseph Dodson, 53, of North Platte, was ejected and received life-saving attempts by a passenger and a trooper until EMS arrived. Dodson was pronounced deceased at Gothenburg Health Hospital, while the passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

NSP urges all motorists to reduce speeds in winter driving conditions. Check 511.Nebraska.gov for updated road conditions throughout the state.