Nebraska State Patrol investigating fatal motorcycle crash

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash Saturday on Highway 61, just north of Lake McConaughy, involving two motorcycles.

Just after 12:30 p.m., The Arthur County Sheriff’s Office and NSP responded to reports of a motorcycle crash.

When first responders arrived, they found two dead individuals and another person with life-threatening injuries, according to officials.

Officials said that the two motorcycles were driving south on Highway 61 when one lost control and crashed into the other.

The rider of the first motorcycle, Jacob Byrd, 36, and the passenger of the second motorcycle, Stephanie Rodriguez, 45, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the second motorcycle, Michael Laack, 52, was transported to the Ogallala Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

NSP said Highway 61 was closed for five hours while they investigated the crash.