Man sentenced for crash that killed Civic Nebraska director in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - A man was sentenced on Friday for a crash that killed the director of operations at Civic Nebraska.

Court records show 34-year-old Cesar Leos was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 24 months of probation, 200 hours of community service and given a $1,000 fine for misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.

According to a Lincoln Police crash report, on Nov. 15, 2025, Leos, the driver of a tow truck owned by Midwest Towing, was traveling west on St. Paul Avenue and approached the intersection at North 48th Street.

Leos reportedly told police that while he waited to turn south onto North 48th Street, an eastbound vehicle turned north onto North 48th Street. He then made a left turn and struck Kristine “Kris” Hess, 61, of Omaha, who was crossing the street, the report states.

The crash report states Leos was operating the vehicle in an inattentive manner leading up to the collision. Police also said Hess was distracted by a phone before the crash.

First responders arrived at about 10:44 a.m. and found a passersby rendering aid to Hess. She later died from her injuries.

Civic Nebraska said Hess was walking to one of its events and was struck just outside of the venue.

Hess had served as director of operations at Civic Nebraska, a statewide nonprofit based in Lincoln, since Sept. 29. In that role, she oversaw internal operations, supported staff across programs and helped strengthen systems that made the organization’s mission possible.

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.