Donald L. Wooley, 76, of Lincoln, Nebraska, has died following a four-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 near Kearney that left him with injuries requiring hospitalization.
According to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened on September 3, 2026, at approximately 10:38 p.m. on eastbound Interstate 80 near mile marker 276, in the area of the Kearney exit.
The collision involved three passenger vehicles and a semi-truck. Wooley was driving a Ford Taurus that was involved in the crash.
Donald L. Wooley Dies After I-80 Crash
Following the collision, Wooley was transported to CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney for treatment. He later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities said Wooley's family has been notified.
The fatal crash has brought attention to the dangers of nighttime travel on Interstate 80 and has left a Lincoln family facing the loss of a loved one.
Four-Vehicle Collision Under Investigation
The circumstances surrounding the crash have not yet been fully determined.
The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the collision with assistance from Nebraska State Patrol crash reconstruction personnel and the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office/Kearney Police Department Fatality Accident Investigation Team.
Officials have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and additional information may be released as authorities continue examining the circumstances of the crash.
Emergency Crews Responded to the Scene
Several emergency agencies assisted following the collision.
The Nebraska State Patrol, Kearney Police Department, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, and Good Samaritan EMS were among the agencies that responded to the crash.
The involvement of multiple agencies reflects the seriousness of the four-vehicle collision and the emergency response required at the scene.
Community Mourns Loss of Lincoln Man
Donald L. Wooley's death represents a significant loss for his family and those who knew him in Lincoln and beyond.
While authorities continue working to establish the circumstances of the crash, the focus for Wooley's loved ones is now on mourning his death and remembering his life.
At this time, publicly available information about his personal life, family, funeral arrangements, and memorial services remains limited. Those details should be added only when confirmed by his family, an obituary, funeral home, or another authoritative source.
Investigation Continues
The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the fatal I-80 crash. Nebraska State Patrol crash reconstruction personnel and the joint fatality investigation team are assisting with the investigation.
Authorities may release further information as the investigation progresses.
For now, the confirmed facts are that a four-vehicle collision occurred on eastbound I-80 near Kearney on September 3, 2026, and Donald L. Wooley, 76, of Lincoln, died after being transported to CHI Health Good Samaritan with injuries sustained in the crash.
The family of Donald L. Wooley has been notified, according to authorities. Further information concerning funeral arrangements or a public memorial will depend on announcements from his family or other official sources.
