Mormon Island Fatality Victim Identified

On July 31st 2024, at approximately 5:40 P.M., the Hall County Sheriff’s Department responded to Mormon Island for a report of a vehicle that had driven into the far west lake. When deputies arrived, they located a semi and trailer partially submerged along the south shore of the lake. The driver was found inside the semi and life saving measures were taken until it was determined that the driver was deceased.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a 2020 Freightliner had been driven by 69-year-old VERLIN HUNT, of Battlefield Missouri. The semi was east bound on Interstate 80 when it crossed through the median and both west bound lanes of I-80. The semi then proceeded down a steep embankment and into the lake before coming to a stop.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor and the driver had been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Next of kin has been notified.

An accident reconstruction team was called to the scene, and they will continue to investigate. As a result of the accident, diesel was released into the lake. An environmental cleanup team later responded to address the environmental concerns. The Nebraska State Patrol also assisted with the investigation.