NSP investigates motorcycle accident with three fatalities

ARTHUR, Nebraska (KSNB) – The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a crash Saturday involving two motorcycles that left three people dead.

The Arthur County Sheriff's Department requested assistance from NSP after responding to reports of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 61 south of Arthur at 12:35 p.m. MT.

According to NSP, the two motorcycles were traveling south together when one lost control and struck the other motorcycle. The driver of the first motorcycle, 36-year-old Jacob Byrd of Brownlee, and the passenger of the second motorcycle, 45-year-old Stephanie Rodriquez of North Platte, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second motorcycle, 52-year-old Michael Laack of North Platte, was transported to Ogallala Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

NSP is conducting a comprehensive accident reconstruction investigation. Highway 61 was closed for five hours while the investigation was conducted.

NSP was assisted by the Arthur County Volunteer Fire Department, Arthur County Sheriff's Department, Keith County Emergency Medical Services, Keystone and Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Departments, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

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