Lucille Kennedy Identified as Victim killed in Fatal Collision on Highway 34 in York County

Authorities have identified the woman who tragically lost her life in a collision on Highway 34 in York County on Wednesday morning. The victim, Lucille Kennedy, 65, from Exeter, was traveling eastbound on Highway 34 when the incident occurred at the west junction of Highways 34 and 81 around 10 a.m., according to reports from the York County Sheriff’s Office.

The collision took place when Kennedy entered the intersection and collided with a semitrailer traveling on Highway 81. Despite immediate response from emergency services, Kennedy was pronounced dead at the scene. This devastating incident follows closely on the heels of another fatal collision nearby, which claimed the life of a 71-year-old man from Grand Island just the previous day.

Sheriff Paul Vrbka of the York County Sheriff’s Office has expressed grave concern over the frequency of fatal accidents along Highway 34 in recent weeks. He has reached out to State Sen. Jana Hughes, who represents York County, to explore potential measures that could enhance safety at the Highway 34/81 intersection.

In a statement released to the press, Sheriff Vrbka emphasized the urgency of addressing safety issues at the intersection, stating, “We can’t keep having accidents like this.” The sheriff plans to convene with Sen. Hughes soon to discuss possible solutions and advocate for state support in implementing safety features or equipment that could prevent future tragedies.

The York County community has been deeply affected by these recent fatalities, prompting a call for increased awareness and caution among drivers navigating these busy highways. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision involving Lucille Kennedy and the semitrailer to determine the exact cause.

As investigations proceed and discussions with state officials unfold, the memory of Lucille Kennedy remains in the thoughts and prayers of her loved ones and the community. Her untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for proactive measures to protect all travelers on Nebraska’s highways.