FUNK, Neb. — Three men died in a multi-vehicle accident on August 15 at the intersection of Highway 6/34 and Road T, Phelps County authorities confirmed.
The deceased are identified as Wallace R. Martin, 67, of Holdrege; Randall R. Franklin, 36, of Funk; and Justin M. Mason, 34, of Arapahoe. Autopsies have been conducted, but final results are pending additional forensic testing, which may take four to six weeks.
Two drivers—Brock W. Schneider, 35, of Axtell, and Alyssa K. Kahle, 35, of Minden—remain hospitalized in serious condition. A minor child passenger in Kahle's vehicle was unharmed and released to family members on the night of the accident.
The crash investigation is ongoing. Authorities are reviewing video footage, crash reconstruction data, medical reports, and witness statements. Preliminary findings are expected soon, which will assist the Phelps County Attorney's Office in determining the cause and whether any criminal charges will be filed.
According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 30,000 fatalities annually. While Nebraska has seen a decline in traffic-related deaths since the 1970s, these numbers have risen since 2011.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.