The Nebraska State Patrol says a 2-vehicle crash about noon Sunday 16 miles south of Chadron on Hwy 385 claimed the life of a Chadron State College student from Gering and hospitalized an Alliance man.
      19-year old Autumn Elsen was pronounced dead at Chadron Community Hospital while 47-year old Ross Grant was initially treated at Chadron Community before being flown by the Airlink helicopter ambulance to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. Grant’s condition has not been released.
State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas says Elsen was northbound when she lost control of her car while passing another vehicle. She overcorrected and struck a southbound SUV driven by Grant.
Thomas says neither driver was wearing a seatbelt. Grant was ejected from his vehicle while Elsen was trapped in hers before being extricated by the Hemingford VFD. Passing motorists had stopped and were helping both Elsen and Grant by the time the first state trooper arrived at the scene.
Chadron VFD Chief Branden Martens says the Hemingford VFD made the initial response and asked Chadron for mutual aid for an accident with a vehicle on fire. Chadron sent 6 vehicles including an ambulance, but Martens saysHemingford crews had the situation fully in hand by the time the Chadron units arrived.
Traffic on Hwy 385 was stopped in both directions for several hours at 16th Street in Chadron and at the Link 7E junction east of Hemingford mostly to allow an accident reconstruction team to work at the site.
Chadron State College Director of College Relations Alex Helmbrecht says Autumn Elsen was a sophomore majoring in elementary education.
Students, faculty, and staff were told of her death this morning by an email that also said counselors would be available to meet with anyone having trouble dealing with the loss. The accident remains under investigation.
Very sad. Every day is precious. We never know when our time is up, so live life to the fullest. May she rest in peace.
look like there there was more than 2 vehicles involved in the accident ! came upon accident shortly after the accident happened
Please join us, one and all in prayer for the family of the victim whom lost her life in this tragic event.
Prayers also for the victim flown by Air Ambulance to Scottsbluff.