CLAY COUNTY, Neb. — A Hazard man has been sentenced in connection to a crash that resulted in the deaths of a woman and an 8-year-old boy in 2023.
Justin Zoerb received a sentence of six years and three months in prison for two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving, according to authorities.
The Nebraska State Patrol reported the incident occurred on Highway 6 near the Adams and Clay County line. A semi-truck traveling west failed to slow for traffic waiting to turn at Road A, subsequently veering into eastbound lanes and colliding with a Buick Enclave occupied by a family from Davenport.
Authorities confirmed that Nicole Pavelka and 8-year-old Ryker Schlichtman were pronounced dead at the scene. Three children in the vehicle were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
An investigation into the crash continues, with further details expected as authorities assess the situation.