Two Vehicle Collision Resulting in Fatality

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23rd, Merrick County Deputies were detailed to Highway 14 near U Road in rural Merrick County regarding a two-vehicle injury accident. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, was traveling northbound on Highway 14, crossed the center of the roadway into the southbound lane resulting in a collision with a southbound 2019 Ford F150 pickup.

The driver and sole occupant of the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, identified as Ryan Peery, 46 of Cass County, Nebraska was pronounced deceased on the scene. Perry was not utilizing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, and it is unknown if drugs and/or alcohol is a contributing factor at this time.   

The driver and sole occupant of the 2019 Ford F150 was transported to Merrick Medical Center and later transported to a medical facility in Omaha, Nebraska with serious injuries. A seatbelt was in use at the time of the accident.

Airbags deployed in both vehicles. The investigation is still ongoing at this time.

Assistance at the scene was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, Nance County Sheriff’s Office, Clarks Fire and Rescue, Central City Ambulance and Central City Fire Department.