Woman, pet macaw injured in severe rollover accident Saturday

McCOOK, Neb. — A woman and her pet macaw were involved in a severe rollover accident south of McCook on Highway 83, according to Red Willow County Sheriff Kevin Darling. The accident occurred roughly six miles south of McCook, where the woman's vehicle was found severely damaged in a field off the highway.

Sheriff Darling, who responded to the scene, described extensive damage to both the front and rear of the vehicle. He discovered the woman lying some distance from the wreckage, suffering from significant injuries. "It was clear an ambulance was needed," Darling said. He covered the victim with blankets and began efforts to determine whether she was the only occupant of the vehicle.

After a thorough search of the area, it was confirmed that the woman was the sole occupant, aside from her blue and yellow macaw, which was found near the vehicle.

Investigators believe the woman may have fallen asleep at the wheel while heading north toward McCook. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road, swerved back, and began skidding before flipping end-over-end and landing over 60 feet away. The woman, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle.

The victim was later airlifted from McCook for further medical care. Sheriff Darling thanked McCook Fire and Ambulance, Western Rural Fire, and Red Willow Animal Clinic for their assistance, with special acknowledgment to Dr. Wayne for caring for the macaw.