Authorities in Dawes County have confirmed that the Chief Medical Officer for Regional West Medical Center, one of his sons and a family friend from Gering were lost in the plane crash Sunday night near the Chadron Airport.
County Attorney and Coroner Vance Haug says autopsies confirmed 44-year-old Matthew Bruner and 21-year-old Noah Bruner, both of Scottsbluff, and 19-year-old Sydnee Brester of Gering died in the accident.
In a released statement, John Mentgen, FACHE, President and CEO of Regional West Health Services said “We are sad to share the news of the unexpected loss of one of the Regional West team members and physicians, Dr. Matt Bruner. Dr. Bruner was a medical staff leader, physician, and friend to many. Please keep the Bruner family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Speaking at a Scottsbluff-Gering Chamber function today in Scottsbluff, Governor Pete Ricketts told those in the crowd Dr. Bruner would be deeply missed. “Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gary Anthone, worked very, very closely with him, and it’s a loss felt all across the state, not only here in Scottsbluff,” said Ricketts. “Please accept our condolences for such a great person who was part of your community. And I’ve gotta tell you, Gary Athone told me that he (Bruner) was like a brother to him. That’s how closely they’ve worked together over the last two years of the pandemic.”
Gering and Scottsbluff Public Schools have had counseling resources on hand for students and staff affected by the loss. Similar support was available for students and staff at Western Nebraska Community College.
Dr. Patrick Newell, WNCC vocal music instructor said “Sydnee was just beginning to build her WNCC family, making new friends in choir and her other classes. Many of my students have known her for years. We all mourn losing her, and will miss her strong voice. Our hearts are full of love for the Brester and the Bruner families.”
Haug says the National Transportation Safety Board is continuing their investigation of the crash, which took place shortly after the Cessna 310 took off from the airport.
