MERRICK COUNTY — A Fullerton man died following an early Saturday morning threevehicle crash in rural Merrick County.
Merrick County Sheriff John R. Westman said that Daniel R. Zegers, 64, of Fullerton, died because of his injuries at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Deputies were called to the scene at approximately 6 a.m. on Saturday. Initial reports showed a three-vehicle crash on Highway 30 at F Road in rural Merrick County.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a 1999 Ford E150 Econoline van was traveling westbound on Highway 30, crossed the center of the roadway and struck the side of a 2018 International Straight Truck traveling eastbound on Highway 30, and also struck a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 pickup truck also traveling eastbound which resulted in a head on collision.
Zegers was the driver and sole occupant of the Ford van.
The driver and sole occupant of the International did not sustain any injuries, and driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet Silverado sustained minor injuries but were not transported to a medical facility for treatment and were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected with any of the drivers.
“We would like to thank the Nebraska State Patrol and the Chapman Fire and Rescue Department for their assistance with this incident,” Westman said in a press release. “The Merrick County Sheriff’s Office expresses our condolences to family, friends, and community.”