Nebraska State Patrol investigates fatal motorcycle crash

LINCOLN, Nebraska (KLKN) – The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash Saturday on Highway 61, north of Lake McConaughy, involving two motorcycles.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., the Arthur County Sheriff's Office and NSP responded to reports of a motorcycle accident.

When rescue workers arrived, they found two dead and another person with life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.

According to officials, the two motorcycles were traveling south on Highway 61 when one lost control and collided with the other.

The driver of the first motorcycle, Jacob Byrd, 36, and the passenger of the second motorcycle, Stephanie Rodriguez, 45, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the second motorcycle, Michael Laack, 52, was taken to Ogallala Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to NSP, Highway 61 was closed for five hours while the accident was investigated.