New details released in state trooper death in western Nebraska crash
Nebraska State Patrol reports death of trooper in western Nebraska crash
Nebraska State Patrol reports death of trooper in western Nebraska crash
Nebraska State Patrol reports death of trooper in western Nebraska crash
Nebraska State Trooper Jerry L. Smith, who earned the Bronze Star during his service in the U.S. Army and joined the State Patrol at age 47, died Thursday morning in a crash that while on duty in Nebraska's panhandle.
Watch Trooper Jerry Smith's memorial service here.
The driver who hit Smith head-on also died around 7:30 a.m.
Officials said the Morrill County Sheriff's Office received several 911 calls in reference to the three-car crash that happened west of Bridgeport on Highway 26, near mile marker 59.
The 911 calls indicated that one of the vehicles involved was that of a Nebraska State Trooper.
The crash took place when a Dodge Ram, driven by MaryJo Decora, 60, of Bridgeport, was
stopped on the highway waiting to make a left turn into the Oregon Trail Memorial Cemetery.
Decora’s vehicle was struck from behind by a 2005 Mazda Tribute, driven by Derek Lacrete, 28, of Lewellen. Lacrete’s vehicle hit the rear driver’s side of Decora’s vehicle, causing Lacrete’s vehicle to veer into the oncoming lane, where it collided head-on with a Nebraska State Patrol 2016 Dodge Charger, driven by Trooper Jerry Smith, 51, of Scottsbluff.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lacrete was ejected from his vehicle during the crash and was also pronounced dead at the scene.
The Morrill County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, Morrill County ALS, the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming State Patrol and fire departments from Bridgeport, Bayard and Broadwater all responded to the scene.
The crash is still under investigation by the Morrill County Sheriff’s Office assistance with the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office providing reconstruction assistance.
Funeral services for Smith are pending. Details will be released later.
“This is a tragic day for the Nebraska State Patrol," said Col. John Bolduc, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “A family has lost a husband and a father. Our troopers have lost a colleague and a friend. Our state has lost a true public servant.”
Smith joined the Nebraska State Patrol in 2014 and graduated from his recruit class at the age of 47. The patrol believes he's the oldest recruit ever to complete its Basic Recruit Camp.
Prior to joining the patrol, Smith served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, earning numerous honors, including the Bronze Star for his service during two tours of combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Trooper Smith was doing what he did every day, diligently patrolling Nebraska’s roadways,” said Bolduc. “This is a sad reminder of the dangers our law enforcement professionals face daily. Our prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family.”
Smith is survived by his wife and two adult children.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol's website, the death is the 12th on-duty death in the Patrol's history.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts ordered flags to fly at half-staff across the state, effective immediately.
“Susanne and I mourn the passing of Trooper Smith, and send our deepest condolences to his family. Our state troopers selflessly put their lives on the line every day. The loss of Trooper Smith will be felt not only by the Nebraska State Patrol, but by the Panhandle and folks across the state. We ask all Nebraskans to join us in praying for his family and community as we honor Trooper Smith’s dedicated service and sacrifice.”