Missouri man dies after driving into Grand Island lake

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Missouri man died on Wednesday after crashing a semitruck into a Grand Island lake.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Department responded to Mormon Island at 5:40 p.m. for a vehicle that had driven into the far west lake.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a semi and trailer partially submerged along the south shore of the lake, officials said in a press release.

The driver was identified as 69-year-old Verlin Hunt, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A preliminary investigation showed Hunt driving a 2020 Freightliner eastbound on Interstate 80, according to officials.

Hunt crossed through the median and both westbound lanes before driving down a steep hill and into the lake.

Deputies said alcohol is not believed to be a factor and Hunt had been wearing a seatbelt.

As a result of the accident, diesel fuel and oil were released into the lake.

Nebraska Game and Parks said the lake will be closed until further notice.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.