Madison, NE – Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Hwy 81

Madison, NE (April 13, 2025) – A woman lost her life early Saturday morning after being hit by a vehicle on Highway 81 near Madison, according to Nebraska State Patrol.

The collision occurred around 5:45 a.m. on April 12, approximately two miles northeast of Madison near 831st Road. A vehicle traveling southbound, driven by a man from Norfolk, struck a woman who was reportedly in the roadway at the time. Nebraska State Patrol Sgt. Scott Rutten confirmed that the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her identity has not been officially confirmed.

The driver was not hurt in the incident and has not been issued any citations.

Authorities believe the pedestrian may have been experiencing homelessness. Rutten noted that law enforcement in Madison and nearby Platte counties had made contact with her earlier in the week and offered assistance, which she declined.

Following the crash, traffic in the area was significantly disrupted. Southbound traffic was rerouted through one of the northbound lanes, causing delays. The Madison Volunteer Fire Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to manage the scene and direct traffic. At this time, investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol are continuing to review the circumstances leading up to the incident.

We hope peace and comfort reach the family and loved ones of the woman who lost her life. Our deepest condolences go out to them.

Pedestrian Accidents in Nebraska

Pedestrian accidents in Nebraska often lead to tragic outcomes, especially when they occur on highways or in areas without proper pedestrian infrastructure. According to state transportation data, hundreds of pedestrian-involved accidents happen across Nebraska every year, with a significant portion resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

In situations like these, it’s important to understand the common factors that contribute to such incidents. Here’s a closer look at one specific issue tied to many pedestrian accidents:

• Homelessness and Pedestrian Vulnerability: Individuals experiencing homelessness often lack access to safe shelter, leading them to spend more time in or near roadways. Without vehicles of their own, they may attempt to cross busy roads on foot, sometimes in areas without crosswalks or proper lighting. These circumstances put them at higher risk of being involved in an accident, especially during early morning or late night hours.
• Mental Health and Accessibility to Resources: Some pedestrians, particularly those living on the streets, struggle with untreated mental health issues or disabilities that impair judgment or mobility. Lack of access to health care or community support can increase the likelihood of dangerous situations. These underlying problems often go unnoticed until tragedy strikes.
• Limited Lighting and Early Morning Visibility: Accidents like this often happen before sunrise or after sunset, when visibility is low. Dim lighting and poor roadway markings can make it hard for drivers to detect someone walking on or near the roadway—especially if they are wearing dark clothing.
• High-Speed Roads Without Sidewalks: Highways like Highway 81 are not designed for pedestrians. With fast-moving traffic and no pedestrian walkways, any attempt to walk along or across these routes can be perilous. Even when drivers are attentive, stopping in time may be difficult if someone steps into the road suddenly.

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our Madison wrongful death attorneys at Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law. Getting legal guidance early can make a major difference in your case. It allows your legal team to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue fair compensation while you focus on healing. It’s important not to wait—Nebraska’s legal deadlines can impact your ability to file a successful claim.

Let us help you move forward. At Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law, we offer free consultations. Call our team at (402) 506-4444 to get started. With decades of courtroom experience, we bring unique insight to every case. Thomas Johnson has spent years inside the defense world and now uses that deep understanding to help the injured win their cases. We don’t settle quickly just to move on. We take the time to understand your case and prepare it for the best possible outcome. Whether you’re facing a long recovery or grieving a loved one, we’re here to support you. Reach out today and let us explain your rights and next steps. We’re ready to listen and help.

Notes: Our team collects accident information in Nebraska from various external sources, such as news outlets, police records, social media platforms, and direct accounts from witnesses. Please note that our team has not independently confirmed the specifics of this incident. We encourage you to contact Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law immediately if you discover discrepancies in our reporting. 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 contact Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law directly. Additionally, the image featured in this post does not depict the actual scene of the accident.