The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident that was reported at 7:44am Friday October 18, 2024 about 3 miles east of Exeter on Highway 6.
Based on a preliminary investigation, a westbound car on Highway 6 crossed over the center line and collided with an eastbound pickup driven by 83-year-old Karen Chapman of Fairmont. The driver, a juvenile male from Friend, was killed upon impact and pronounced deceased at the scene. His name and age has not been released pending family notification.
Chapman was transported by Exeter Fire and Rescue to Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend and was listed in stable condition according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation suggests that an electronic device may have been in use by the driver of the car and possible contributing factor to the accident.
Restraints were in use. Drug and alcohol are not suspected at this time, according to Chief Deputy Mark McFarland.
Highway 6 was closed for about 2.5 hours for the investigation and Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Nebraska State Patrol.
