Grand Island, Neb. — A semi-truck driver who drove off the interstate shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday and crashed into the far west lake at the Mormon Island recreation area has been identified as Verlin Hunt of Battlefield, Missouri.
The 69 year old man was the only person in the truck at the time of the crash.
According to a news release, the Hall County Sheriff’s Department responded and when deputies arrived they found a semi and trailer partially submerged along the south shore of the lake. Firefighters in water rescue gear were seen approaching the cab of the truck.
The driver was found inside the semi and live saving measures were taken until the driver was declared deceased.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the 2020 Freightliner was eastbound on Interstate 80 when it crossed through the median and both westbound lanes of I-80. The semi then proceeded down a steep embankment and into the lake before coming to a stop.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor and the driver had been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. An accident reconstructionist was called to the scene and they will continue to investigate.
As a result of the accident, diesel fuel was released into the lake. An environmental cleanup team later responded to address fuel spill concerns.
Lt. Mike Korte with the Nebraska State Patrol said the vehicle was eastbound on Interstate 80 and it’s unclear why it left the road. Lt. Korte said it remains under investigation.
