NSP investigates triple fatality motorcycle crash

ARTHUR, Neb. — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a motorcycle crash that resulted in three fatalities on Saturday afternoon in Arthur County.

The crash occurred around 12:35 p.m. Mountain Time on Highway 61, just south of Arthur. The Arthur County Sheriff’s Department requested NSP’s assistance after responding to reports of the accident involving two motorcycles. First responders found two people dead at the scene and a third person with life-threatening injuries.

According to NSP’s preliminary investigation, both motorcycles were traveling southbound together when one lost control and collided with the other. Jacob Byrd, 36, of Brownlee, who was riding the first motorcycle, and Stephanie Rodriguez, 45, of North Platte, a passenger on the second motorcycle, were pronounced dead at the scene. The second rider, Michael Laack, 52, of North Platte, was transported to Ogallala Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

NSP is conducting a full reconstruction of the crash. Highway 61 remained closed for about five hours during the investigation.

Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including the Arthur County Volunteer Fire Department, Keith County EMS, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.