Three Dead in Arthur County Motorcycle Crash, Investigation Underway
September 22, 2024 (Arthur, Neb.) — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a fatal crash involving two motorcycles that resulted in three deaths Saturday afternoon.
The collision occurred around 12:35 p.m. MT on Highway 61, south of Arthur, where local authorities requested NSP assistance. First responders discovered two individuals deceased at the scene and a third person with life-threatening injuries.
Preliminary reports indicate the motorcycles were traveling southbound together when one lost control and collided with the other. Jacob Byrd, 36, of Brownlee, and Stephanie Rodriquez, 45, of North Platte, were pronounced dead at the scene. Michael Laack, 52, of North Platte, was transported to Ogallala Community Hospital, where he later died.
NSP is conducting a full crash reconstruction and has confirmed that Highway 61 was closed for approximately five hours during the investigation.
Assisting agencies include the Arthur County Volunteer Fire Department, Arthur County Sheriff’s Department, Keith County EMS, as well as local fire departments and police.