BEATRICE, Neb. — A 19-year-old Kansas man was killed late Sunday night in a devastating single-vehicle crash west of Beatrice, according to the Gage County Sheriff’s Office. The victim, identified as Joseph Korber of Bern, Kansas, died at the scene after the car he was driving lost control and rolled multiple times.
Authorities said the crash happened around 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of West Scott Road and Southwest 61st Road, roughly one mile west of Beatrice. Investigators believe Korber was traveling east at a very high rate of speed — estimated at over 100 miles per hour — when he lost control of the vehicle. Three passengers were inside the car at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews from Beatrice Fire and Rescue and the Nebraska State Patrol arrived quickly but were unable to save Korber, who was pronounced dead at the scene. One passenger sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Bryan West Health Center in Lincoln for emergency treatment. The two remaining passengers were taken to Beatrice Community Hospital with less serious injuries and are expected to recover. Officials confirmed that all four occupants were wearing seatbelts when the crash occurred.
Investigators are still working to determine what led to the fatal crash. Early findings suggest that excessive speed and possible alcohol use may have played a role. The Nebraska State Patrol Accident Reconstruction Team is assisting in the investigation to establish the exact sequence of events. The section of Scott Road was temporarily closed overnight as authorities examined the scene and collected evidence.
Deputies noted that while conditions were dark, the weather was clear and the road surface was dry at the time of the crash. Sheriff’s officials extended their condolences to Korber’s family and friends, calling the crash a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on rural roads. They also urged drivers to slow down, stay alert, and avoid impaired driving.
Community members in both Bern, Kansas, and Beatrice, Nebraska, have expressed deep sadness over the loss. Several locals said the rural stretch of Scott Road has been the scene of previous high-speed accidents, describing it as deceptively straight and tempting for drivers to accelerate. Authorities plan to release additional information once toxicology reports and the full reconstruction are complete.