Neb. State Patrol Trooper Fatally Struck by Snowplow

A 31-year-old Nebraska State Patrol trooper was killed Monday in a weather-related crash on Interstate 80.

Kyle McAcy was killed when he and other troopers responded to a crash on I-80 between Ashland and Greenwood, according to the State Patrol. While he was outside his patrol unit, McAcy was struck by a snowplow. Although other troopers responded quickly with aid, McAcy died at the scene.

The interstate was shut down between mile markers 420 and 426 in both directions for more than four hours before reopening around 3:45 p.m.

McAcy was a 10-year veteran of the Nebraska State Patrol stationed in Omaha. He had served in the patrol and carrier enforcement divisions and as a crisis negotiator.

“Our NSP family is devastated today,” Col. John Bolduc, patrol superintendent, said in a release.

“Kyle was a dedicated trooper, a devoted public servant, and most importantly a good friend to many in Omaha and beyond. His loss is being felt by countless people. Please keep his family, friends, colleagues, and community in your hearts as they deal with this unimaginable loss.

Gov. Jim Pillen called on flags to be flown half-staff on the day of McAcy's interment. Funeral arrangements are pending.

“His loss is a reminder of the call to service bravely demonstrated by our law enforcement personnel every day,” Pillen said in a news release.

The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to conduct the crash investigation.

McAcy's death is the first line-of-duty death for the State Patrol since 2019 when trooper Jerry Smith was killed in a crash near Bridgeport.

Several inches of snow fell over a wide area of eastern Nebraska on Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The official total for Lincoln, reported at the Lincoln Airport, was 2 inches as of 6 p.m., but anywhere from 3-4 inches was reported in other parts of the city.

A fatal crash in Omaha also appeared to be weather-related.

The Omaha Police Department said a 60-year-old woman was killed when she was partially ejected from a vehicle that spun out on West Dodge Road, left the roadway and hit a guardrail, and rolled onto its side.

Lincoln officials issued a snow emergency that went into effect at 1 p.m. Monday after a storm dumped a few inches of snow on the city.

Unlike the snow emergency last week when 3 inches of snow fell Tuesday and Wednesday, the emergency issued Monday includes a residential parking ban.

Starting at 1, parking was banned on both sides of emergency snow routes, arterial streets, school and bus routes. On residential streets, parking was banned on the odd side of the street only.

Lincoln was in a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m.

City officials said in a news release that streets remain covered with snow and that drivers should watch out for slick spots.

They said the parking bans will allow snow removal crews to clear streets faster and more efficiently.

The job of snow removal was helped by the fact that Lincoln Public Schools was off for the day on Monday because of Presidents Day. Students also have the day off on Tuesday. Other area districts, including Lincoln Catholic schools, Norris and Waverly, called off classes for Tuesday.

As of 3 p.m., the Lincoln Police Department reported 27 accidents.

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities said a crash at 14th and Adams streets damaged the traffic signal control box, requiring the intersection to temporarily become a four-way stop. Crews were planning to install stop signs at all four corners Monday afternoon.

LTU did not have an estimate on how long repairs will take.

Another round of snow is possible on Tuesday, with the National Weather Service forecasting accumulations up to 2 inches.

The snow will be followed by extreme cold. Lincoln will be in a extreme cold warning from 9 p.m. Monday until noon Tuesday, and then an extreme cold watch starting at noon Tuesday and continuing until noon Thursday.

Daytime highs will be in the low single digits and morning lows are forecast to drop to minus 10 to minus 20. Wind chills could go as low as minus 30.

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