Hitchcock Co, NE – Wayne Cook Dies in Semi-Truck Crash on Hwy 6 & Hwy 25

Hitchcock County, NE (July 19, 2024) – A deadly semi-truck crash occurred on Thursday, July 18, in Hitchcock County, claiming the life of a McCook City employee. The incident, reported by the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Department and the Nebraska State Patrol, took place at approximately 6:55 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 25, near Trenton.

According to the Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Department, a semi-truck and trailer traveling northbound on Highway 25 struck the side of another semi-truck and trailer traveling westbound on Highway 6. The collision caused the westbound semi to overturn.

The driver of the westbound semi, identified as Wayne Cook, 42, of McCook, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cook was an employee with McCook’s solid waste transfer station and was transporting trash to the J Bar J landfill south of Ogallala.

The driver of the northbound semi, Keith Gesegnet, 50, of Stephenville, Texas, has been lodged in Hitchcock County Jail. He faces charges including motor vehicle homicide, tampering with physical evidence, possession of alcohol in a commercial motor vehicle, open alcohol container, and other commercial vehicle violations. In the meantime, the local police are investigating the collision.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Wayne Cook. We also hope any other injured victims recover swiftly.

Fatal Semi-Truck Accidents in Hitchcock County: A Growing Concern

Hitchcock County has seen an alarming rise in fatal semi-truck accidents in recent years, raising significant concerns among residents and officials. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the county recorded a notable increase in fatalities involving commercial vehicles, with 10 deaths attributed to semi-truck accidents over the past five years. 

This marks a staggering 25% increase compared to the previous five-year period, prompting local authorities to reevaluate road safety strategies and load regulations.

Key contributing factors to these tragic incidents often include driver fatigue, speeding, and adverse weather conditions that compound the challenges of operating large vehicles. In 2022, around 45% of fatal semi-truck accidents involved drivers who were either under the influence or distracted, underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety measures. 

In response, local agencies and transportation advocacy groups are intensifying their efforts to promote awareness about the dangers associated with semi-truck operations, urging for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and the implementation of more comprehensive driver education programs aimed at reducing the number of fatal accidents in Hitchcock County.

Seeking legal guidance is essential for victims and their families to navigate the complex legal process and pursue rightful compensation.

If you have lost a loved one in a Hitchcock County semi-truck accident, a knowledgeable Nebraska car accident attorney from Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law is prepared to help. With a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law offers personalized legal representation to individuals injured due to negligence.

To speak with our determined attorneys about your serious semi-truck accident, call Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law at (402) 506-4444 to schedule a free-of-charge consultation. Our dedicated team is equipped to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights and interests are vigorously defended.

Notes: Our team collects accident information in Nebraska from a variety of external sources, such as news outlets, police records, social media platforms, and direct accounts from witnesses. Please note that the specifics of this incident have not been independently confirmed by our team. Should you discover any discrepancies in our reporting, we encourage you to contact Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law immediately. We will make the necessary corrections or remove the content as required.

Disclaimer: This post is not an attempt to solicit business. Please be aware that the information provided here does not serve as legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on specific factual and legal circumstances. If you need personalized legal advice, please directly reach out to Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law. Additionally, the image featured in this post does not depict the actual scene of the accident.