Merrick County Accident Results in Fatality

At approximately 4:42 p.m., on 10-29-2024, the Merrick County Sheriff’s Office was detailed to Highway 30 and 35th Road in Rural Merrick County, near Silver Creek, Nebraska, regarding a two-vehicle injury accident.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a 1985 Chevrolet grain cart loaded with grain was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 and had stopped with turn signal on waiting for oncoming westbound traffic to pass so that the driver could make a left hand turn onto 35th Road. While waiting for oncoming traffic, a 2022 Toyota Camry also traveling eastbound on Highway 30 collided with the right rear of the stopped grain cart.

The driver and sole occupant of the 1985 Chevrolet grain cart identified as David Baker, 43 of Merrick County was not injured and was not wearing his seatbelt. Airbags were not available, and drugs and alcohol are not suspected.

The driver and sole occupant of the 2022 Toyota Camry identified as Logan J. Hoyt, 33 of Cuming County was transported to Columbus Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. A seatbelt was in use and airbags did deploy in the vehicle. Drugs and Alcohol are not suspected.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Nebraska State Patrol, Platte County Sheriff's Office, and Silver Creek Fire and Rescue.

The Merrick County Sheriff's Office expresses out condolences to the family, friends, and community.