On May 14th, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 81 and Highway 32 near Madison, Nebraska.

Upon arrival, Madison County deputies diverted southbound traffic due to one of the vehicles involved blocking both lanes of southbound travel on Highway 81. A black Jeep Gladiator, driven by James Hitz, had struck the back of a semi-trailer. Hitz was transported to Faith Regional Hospital by ambulance. The driver of the semi, Jeff Kelley, was released from the scene after being checked over by EMS personnel. Preliminary investigation has determined Hitz swerved to avoid hitting the semi and clipped the back left side of the trailer. This caused the Jeep Gladiator to overturn.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Madison Police Department, Madison Fire and Rescue, and D&L Towing.