Kearney County Crash Claims Life of Passenger, Injures Two Drivers

A fatal two-vehicle crash in rural Kearney County on November 5 resulted in the death of a Kearney man, identified as 35-year-old Salvador D. Alvarado Reyes. The accident occurred at 10:18 a.m. near County Road 23 and County Road B, according to the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office, which received multiple 911 calls about the collision.

The crash involved a 2009 Ram pickup truck, driven by 34-year-old Duniesky Benitez Torres from Grand Island, traveling south, and a 2008 Buick, driven by 61-year-old Nurita Lambert from Axtell, moving east. Both drivers sustained serious injuries in the accident and were transported to CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Tragically, Alvarado Reyes, who was a passenger in the Ram, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities noted that the occupants of the Ram pickup were not wearing seatbelts, while the driver of the Buick and her passenger were reportedly using seatbelts. The Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the crash, working closely with both the Kearney County Sheriff’s Office and the Kearney County Attorney’s Office.

Emergency response units, including the Wilcox Fire Department, Hildreth Fire Department, Good Samaritan EMS, and the Kearney County Road Department, responded to assist at the scene. Their coordinated efforts helped ensure that those involved received prompt medical attention and that the area was secured for investigators.

As the investigation progresses, authorities may release additional details about the events leading to the collision. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of seatbelt use, particularly given the disparity in outcomes for the occupants of each vehicle.

The local community mourns the loss of Alvarado Reyes and hopes for the recovery of the injured drivers. The Kearney County Sheriff’s Office has not yet provided updates on their conditions but continues to work alongside state and county officials to gather comprehensive insights into the accident.