CLAY COUNTY, Neb. — A Hazard man was sentenced Tuesday for his role in a fatal crash that occurred in Clay County 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 the Nebraska State Patrol, the incident took place on Highway 6 near the Adams and Clay County line. A westbound semi failed to slow for stopped traffic and crossed into eastbound lanes, colliding with a Buick Enclave carrying a family from Davenport.
Authorities confirmed that Nicole Pavelka and her 8-year-old son, Ryker Schlichtman, were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other children in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.