One Vehicle Crash Resulting in Fatality In Merrick County

(Rural Merrick County, NE) - At approximately 6:00 a.m., on 11-19-2024, the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office was detailed to Ormsby Road near 7th Road in rural Merrick County, regarding a one-vehicle injury accident. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 1998 Chevrolet pickup was traveling westbound on Ormsby Road, crossed the center of the roadway, crossed the eastbound lane, and entered the south ditch continuing westbound and collided with an embankment causing the pickup to rollover. 

The driver, identified as Dylan D. Dugger (32) of Palmer, Merrick County, Nebraska, received minor injuries and the passenger, identified as Hailee A. Vlach (23) of Palmer, Merrick County, Nebraska, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Seatbelts were not in use at the time of the accident and airbags did not deploy. The investigation is still ongoing at this time. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, Chapman Fire and Rescue Department, and the Grand Island Fire Department.