Denton Man Dies From Injuries After Van Hits Combine Head

By: Press Release Email

Updated: Tue 11:22 AM, Oct 25, 2011

A Denton man has succumbed to his injuries after the van he was driving struck a combine head near Hallam.

Lancaster County Sheriff Press Release:

The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office is investigating a one vehicle fatality accident occurring on Hwy.77 and Hallam Road. The rescue alarm went out at 4:23 p.m. on October 24th, 2011. This location is approximately 11 miles south of the city limits of Lincoln, NE. Also responding to the scene was Lincoln Fire, Jefferson County Rural Fire, Cortland Fire, Hallam Fire, Southwest Rural Star Care V and the Nebraska State Patrol.

The preliminary investigation indicates a southbound White, 2002 Chevy van driven by 55-year-old Robert E. Michaud of rural Denton, Nebraska, was traveling at a high rate of speed, on Hwy.77 approaching Hallam Road, when the driver lost control and traveled into the west ditch area. The vehicle went air born and struck a John Deere combine head that was being towed by a 1995 blue Chevy pickup, driven by 60 year old Gary Behrends of rural Princeton Nebraska. The pickup was facing east bound and was stopped at the stop sign waiting for traffic to clear.

Robert E. Michaud was trapped in the van for a lengthy period of time before being extricated by rescue units on the scene. He was transported by medic helicopter to Bryan LGH West Hospital. At 9:03 p.m. , Robert E. Michaud was pronounced dead at the hospital.

No one else was injured in the accident.

The deceased was wearing a seat belt.

Alcohol is not suspected to be involved.

10/11 Severe Weather Alert Day Issued for Saturday and Sunday