Nebraska Family Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide
Authorities in Nebraska are investigating a tragic incident in Dawson County, where a family of four was found dead in their home near Johnson Lake on Saturday, May 10. The Nebraska State Patrol has labeled the event a murder-suicide.
The deceased have been identified as Jeremy Koch, 42, his wife, Bailey Koch, 41, and their two teenage sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16. The Kochs were known for their openness about their struggles with mental health, documenting their journey on a social media page.
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence at approximately 9:45 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of all four family members. The home is located in a rural area of central Nebraska, approximately 70 miles west of the state capital, Lincoln.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Jeremy Koch fatally stabbed his wife and sons before taking his own life. A knife was found at the scene. However, the official causes of death for each family member are pending the results of autopsies. The autopsies were ordered by Dawson County Attorney Darlene Shafer. Sheriff Mark Montgomery’s agency is assisting the Nebraska State Patrol in the investigation.
The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly in Holdrege and Cozad, where the Koch family was well-known and respected.
Bailey Koch was a special education teacher at Holdrege Public Schools. The school district released a statement on Facebook expressing their condolences and acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the community. The statement read, "Our hearts are with everyone impacted (by) a tragic event that has deeply affected us all." The post was flooded with comments from community members offering their support and sharing memories of Bailey.
Leticia Gleason, who attended high school with Bailey, described her as "the sweetest person" and someone who "most definitely had the ability to see the positive in any situation, which kept her going." Gleason also referred to the Koch sons as "two beautiful boys." She described Bailey as "truly one in a million, a star that shone brighter than most."
Hudson and Asher Koch were students at Cozad High School. The eldest son, Hudson, was scheduled to graduate on Saturday, the day the family was discovered. During the school’s commencement ceremony, Superintendent Dan Endorf addressed the audience, acknowledging the tragedy that had occurred. He said that the senior class "experienced a tragedy within the past few hours." Endorf noted that "The bittersweet emotions felt by the senior class on their graduation day, and by this entire gymnasium for that matter, cannot be concealed in this moment."
The Kochs were active on social media, using their platform to share their experiences with mental health and offer support to others facing similar challenges. Their Facebook page, "Anchoring Hope for Mental Health: Jeremy & Bailey Koch," had amassed over 23,000 followers by May 12. The page’s description read, "High school sweethearts now together over 25 years, our love story consists of fighting suicidal thoughts and attempts publicly so you know you’re not alone. We fight with you. And our God is stronger than this battle."
Recent posts on the page revealed that Jeremy Koch had been seeking treatment for his mental health. The couple’s openness about their struggles resonated with many people who also struggled with mental health issues.
Bailey Koch’s father, Lane Kugler, discovered the bodies of his daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons. He expressed his grief and anger in a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday. He wrote, "I am so angry. And you should be too." Kugler revealed that Jeremy Koch had struggled with mental illness for many years and that Bailey and her sons had lived in fear of losing him to his condition.
Kugler described Jeremy’s condition as unpredictable, with periods of mania and severe depression. He said that Bailey "fought so hard to help him" navigate his mental health challenges.
Kugler told USA TODAY that he wrote the Facebook post "in hopes of trying to get people fired up about the broken metal health care crisis." He highlighted the need for improved mental health services and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
In a May 8 post on her personal Facebook page, Bailey Koch shared a photo of herself sitting at her husband’s hospital bedside. She wrote, "Whether my husband lives with mental health or dies by mental illness, we will never be quiet. More need to know they’re not alone."
The day before the family was found dead, Bailey Koch posted an update on Facebook stating that paperwork to approve treatments for her husband’s "mental health battle" would be submitted that day. She asked for prayers for insurance approval and a quick start to the treatment.
The tragic deaths of the Koch family underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, understanding, and resources for mental health care. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and the importance of seeking help when needed. The family’s openness about their struggles has left a lasting impact on their community and beyond. Their legacy will continue to inspire others to break the stigma surrounding mental health and seek help when they need it.
This tragedy has prompted calls for improved access to mental health services and increased support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Many hope that the Koch family’s story will serve as a catalyst for change in the way mental health is addressed in society.
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
