On Thursday, September 21, 2023, at approximately 2309 hours, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office along with the Nebraska State Patrol, Waverly Fire and Rescue, Southeast Fire and Rescue, and Lincoln Fire and Rescue were called to a report of a motorcycle crash in the area of Highway 6 and Interstate 80. The preliminary investigation reveals two passenger vehicles, and three motorcycles were involved. The two passenger vehicles were westbound on Highway 6, one in each lane of travel. The three motorcycles were westbound on Highway 6 behind the passenger vehicles. The passenger vehicles began slowing down where one of the motorcycle riders had to abruptly brake. A second motorcycle rider rear ended the first rider, causing them to rear end the passenger vehicles. All three motorcycle riders lost control and crashed.
One of the motorcycle riders, 55 year old Bradley W. Krutz of Lincoln, was ejected off of his motorcycle and was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of the crash. The other two riders, a 60 year old male from Murdock, NE and a 22 year old male from Lincoln, suffered non-life threatening injuries. Next of kin have been notified.
Westbound Highway 6 was closed down for several hours during the investigation.
Previous reports were that the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office was looking for the public's assistance in identifying and locating a third motorcycle. All motorcycle riders have been located at this time.
We are currently working to determine whether speed, alcohol and helmets were a contributing factor. The crash remains under investigation by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office crash reconstruction team.