Family mourns loss of beloved Bennet teacher after tragic accident

A somber night in Bennet as family, friends, and students of 23-year-old Kade Reiman lit candles and reminisced on the man he was.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A somber night in Bennet as family, friends, and students of 23-year-old Kade Reiman lit candles and reminisced on the man he was.

Maddie Reiman, Kade’s sister, said, “We were very close, he was kind of the one that kept us, well, kept me in line, held us together, he was just the best big brother.”

A dozen little faces filled the crowd, as Kade was a second-grade teacher at Bennet Elementary. Mr. Reiman is no longer with them, but his father is hoping to help them understand why.

He read from a book that said, “The next place that I go will be so quiet and so still that the whispered song of sweet belongings will rise up to fill.”

His family described Kade as outgoing with one of the biggest smiles ever.

A brother like no other, a son who made his parents more than proud, and a teacher who would touch the lives of many.

Kade’s mother, Deb Reiman, said, “I always knew Kade was going to be a teacher and I think he kind of gets a little more of his tender side from me. Just them and seeing their hurt for Kade, I just want to fix it and wrap my arms around them and I imagine he’s feeling the same way.”

Kade was killed during a hunting trip Saturday near Lewiston. Tuesday, authorities said he was accidentally shot by his hunting partner.

A tragedy may have taken their son too soon, but for the Reiman family, they can already see the legacy Kade has left behind.

“I think for our family, we are crushed, because he could have made such a huge impact on so many people had not this tragic accident happened,” said Kevin Reiman, Kade’s father, “He already did. He already made an impact on so many people,” Maddie chimed in, “He already did.”

Over the past few days, an outpouring of support from not just the community of Bennet, but from every person who had the pleasure of meeting Kade.

Whether he was teaching in the classroom, supporting his siblings or coaching his football team, Kade’s love always shined through.

Kevin said, “To see him on the sideline, fighting hard for his kids, it just did my heart good as a former coach.”

As the family mourns the loss of their oldest son and big brother, they are comforted by the memories they will always have.

“Just immensely proud, my wife and I have said so many times, as we see these stories, it was just an honor to be his parents. It really was,” said Kevin.