GREENWOOD -  Cass County Sheriff, Robert Sorenson advised that on Tuesday, July 4th at approximately 8:07 p.m., Cass County sheriff's deputies, along with Greenwood  Fire and Rescue, Ashland Fire and Rescue, Eagle Fire and Rescue, Murdock Fire and Rescue, Nebraska State Patrol, and Cass County Emergency Management responded to a two-vehicle injury accident involving ejected parties at the intersection of Highway 63 (238th St) and Church Road near Greenwood. 

Witnesses stated a red, 2017, Honda Accord sedan driven by Hugo Buendia-Valverde, 34, of Lincoln was westbound on Church Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Highway 63 and Church Road and was struck by a 2005 Ford F250 traveling south on Highway 63, driven by Justin Wierden, 22, of Omaha.

A deputy arrived on scene and observed one passenger identified as Ricardo Jiminez-Beltran, 28, from the Honda had been ejected and was pronounced deceased. 

The driver, Buendia-Valverde was still in the driver seat and was pronounced deceased.

A male passenger in the back seat who was identified as Alejandro Valverde-Jiminez, 39, also pronounced deceased.

EMS on scene advise they removed the front seat passenger identified as Isaac Valverde-Arroyo, 40, who had a faint pulse but passed away prior to being transported.   

Wierden was given a preliminary breath test by NSP with a readout of .000. Wierden was transported by NSP to Bergan Mercy for a blood draw.  An autopsy has been requested by the County Attorney for  Buendia-Valverde.

 NSP is handling the accident reconstruction.

Death notifications were made at the scene with the family members that were present.

Both vehicles were towed due to damages and holds for accident reconstruction investigation. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

The four deceased were believed to be not wearing seat belts.  The accident is still under investigation pending the reconstruction by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Photo courtesy of Cass County Sheriff's Office