LANCASTER COUNTY, NE – Authorities have identified 51-year-old Corey Watts as the victim in a tragic semitrailer collision that occurred Tuesday afternoon, July 29, at the intersection of Highway 77 and Waverly Road, just north of Lincoln.
According to Chief Deputy Ben Houchin of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal crash happened at approximately 12:20 p.m. and involved two semitrailer trucks. The investigation revealed that Watts, who was driving westbound, failed to yield the right of way to another southbound semi, resulting in a violent collision.
Watts, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from his cab during the impact. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the southbound semitrailer was evaluated at the scene and was not seriously injured. Their identity has not been released.
Deputy Houchin confirmed that there was no evidence of alcohol or drug use, ruling out impairment as a factor in the crash. The incident appears to have been caused by a failure to yield at the intersection — a simple but deadly error.
The crash caused traffic disruptions in the area as crews worked to clear debris and reconstruct the scene. Investigators are continuing to assess whether speed, distraction, or road conditions contributed to the incident. No citations or charges have been issued at this time.
Authorities are using this tragic loss to reinforce the importance of seat belt use, especially among commercial vehicle drivers. Given the size and momentum of semitrailer trucks, even a single lapse in safety protocols can lead to fatal outcomes.
Corey Watts’ death is part of a troubling trend of fatal crashes involving large trucks in Nebraska and across the country. Intersections like Highway 77 and Waverly Road remain under scrutiny as traffic volume and commercial transportation continue to rise.
As the community mourns, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office offered its deepest condolences to Corey Watts’ family, friends, and colleagues. His untimely death serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities every driver carries—especially those operating massive vehicles on shared roads.
The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be shared as they become available.
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