Just before 10:10 a.m. on Saturday morning the Stanton County Sheriff’s office was dispatched and investigated a one vehicle traffic accident that claimed the life of a female passenger at the Hwy 275 and Hwy 15 (North) Junction just east of Pilger. The accident occurred when a southbound pickup driven by a male failed to stop at the stop sign at Hwy 275 and veered slightly southwest across Hwy 275 and became airborne for more than 40 feet before striking a dirt embankment and rolling onto its side. Both occupants were trapped in the wreckage and the driver was extricated by Pilger and Wisner Fire and Rescue personnel. The driver was then flown directly from the scene by LifeNet medical helicopter to Bryan-West in Lincoln in critical condition. The wife of the driver was pronounced dead at the scene and later removed from the wreckage. Seat belts were in use and airbags did deploy in the totaled pickup. Names are not being released until all next of kin is notified. Both highways were closed for more than an hour as the medical helicopter landed on Hwy 275 and the scene was investigated and cleared. Its possible a medical episode led to accident occurrence and the accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s office. Stanton County Emergency Management and the Cuming County Sheriff’s office also assisted in traffic control. “We appreciate the assistance of witnesses and bystanders prior to our arrival and our deepest sympathy to the family of the victims.” SHERIFF MIKE UNGER
**UPDATE-6:00 p.m.** The driver of the Pickup is still being treated at a Lincoln hospital and is identified as Richard Erwin, 79, of Laurel, NE and the deceased passenger was his wife Ellen Erwin, 77 also of Laurel.
