Tragedy in Nebraska: Three Killed After Small Plane Crashes Into Platte River Near Fremont
FREMONT, NE — April 18, 2025 — A quiet Friday evening in eastern Nebraska turned tragic when a small private plane crashed into the Platte River, claiming the lives of all three people on board. The crash, which occurred just after 8:00 p.m. near the city of Fremont, has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a multi-agency investigation.
The Crash
Authorities with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the aircraft went down near Hormel Park, a popular recreation area along the river. Multiple 911 calls were placed at approximately 8:12 p.m. by bystanders who witnessed the aircraft lose altitude rapidly before plunging into the water.
Within minutes, emergency responders from several agencies — including the Fremont Police and Fire Departments, the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, and specialized rescue crews — rushed to the scene. Airboats and drones were deployed to locate and recover the wreckage and victims.
All three occupants of the aircraft were recovered from the water by midnight. Tragically, none of them survived.
Victims Not Yet Identified
As of Saturday morning, the names and ages of the victims have not been publicly released, pending notification of next of kin. Authorities have only confirmed that all three were adults and that they were the only individuals aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Family members are being notified, and grief counseling is being offered to those affected.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have assumed control of the investigation. While the make and model of the aircraft have not been confirmed, officials said it was a small private plane registered for personal use.
Investigators will be examining weather conditions, the aircraft’s maintenance history, flight plan data, and the pilot’s credentials and background as part of their efforts to determine what led to the deadly crash.
“We ask for the public’s patience as we conduct a thorough investigation,” said an NTSB spokesperson on Saturday morning. “It may take several days or weeks to fully understand what happened.”
A Community in Mourning
The crash has left the community of Fremont in mourning. Residents described a loud sound followed by a sudden silence Friday evening as the plane struck the water. Several people living nearby said they ran toward the river when they heard the commotion and tried to assist emergency crews however they could.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking,” said local resident Jane Holloway, who lives just a few blocks from the crash site. “We were just down there at the park a few hours earlier with our kids. To think something like this could happen—it just shakes you.”
Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and thanking first responders for their quick action in difficult circumstances.
What’s Next
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area near Hormel Park and south of Highway 77 as cleanup efforts and the investigation continue. Local roads around the site remain partially closed as of Saturday afternoon.
No foul play is suspected at this time, and there is no indication of criminal activity related to the crash. Further details, including the victims’ identities and the aircraft’s flight path, are expected to be released in the coming days.
This tragedy marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in the region in recent memory and serves as a somber reminder of the dangers pilots and passengers can face in the skies.
For continued coverage and updates, follow official releases from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, the FAA, and the NTSB.