Corey Watts, 51, Identified as Victim in Fatal Two-Semitrailer Crash North of Lincoln
LINCOLN, NE — The name of the driver involved in the fatal two-semitrailer collision north of Lincoln has been identified as Corey Watts, age 51. The tragic crash occurred on Tuesday afternoon, July 29, near the intersection of Highway 77 and Waverly Road, drawing statewide grief and a thorough investigatio
🚛 Details of the Collision
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At approximately 12:20 p.m., emergency crews from Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and nearby departments responded to a serious crash involving two semi-trucks. One of the vehicles was reportedly carrying grain.
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According to authorities, the westbound semitrailer failed to yield at a stop sign, leading to a broadside crash with a southbound grain truck. Both tractor-trailers ended up in a ditch, with at least one overturning.
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Watts, the driver of the westbound semitrailer, was ejected from his vehicle and later died at the hospital after being airlifted by LifeNet. His counterpart escaped with non-life-threatening injuries.
💔 Remembering Corey Watts
Corey was known among peers as a dedicated professional in the trucking industry. Those familiar with his work described him as reliable, cautious, and committed to both safety and the dignity of his job. While limited personal details have been released, his death has stirred deep sadness within the trucking community and among local residents.
🚨 Investigation Ongoing
The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol are leading the investigation. Officials have collected evidence from the scene, interviewed witnesses, and studied vehicle positioning to determine the cause of the collision. Road closures near the crash site lasted several hours to facilitate reconstruction and cleanup.
An update on the investigation is scheduled to be released soon by local authorities.
🕯️ Community Response & Condolences
News of Watts’ passing quickly spread within the trucking industry and beyond. Messages of sympathy have been shared on social media, and local trucking associations are expressing grief for a life lost on duty. Family, colleagues, and friends are uniting in sorrow and solidarity.
Several community members have placed flowers near the crash site, and social media pages are being used to collect memories and condolences.
⚠️ A Call for Road Safety
This crash serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of safe driving and full compliance with road protocols—especially at intersections. Officials across Nebraska are urging drivers to exercise caution, obey signs, and remain vigilant to prevent future tragedies.
🌟 A Final Tribute
Each day, truck drivers like Corey help keep our highways moving—often far from home and under challenging conditions. His sudden passing not only leaves behind a broken heart but shines light on the risks inherent to long-haul driving.
May Corey Watts rest in peace. His life was taken too soon, and his memory will remain in the hearts of those who work the roads he traveled.
📌 Headline suggestion:
“Corey Watts, 51, Dies in Fatal Two-Semitrailer Crash North of Lincoln—Investigation Underway”