On Friday evening, August 15, 2025, the serene rural landscape of Phelps County, Nebraska, was shattered by a devastating multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 6/34 and Road T, just west of the Village of Funk. The clock ticked toward 9:38 p.m. when the Phelps County 911 Center received frantic calls reporting a catastrophic crash that would soon reveal a heartbreaking toll. What unfolded was a scene of chaos, bravery, and profound loss, as emergency responders raced against time to save lives amid flames and wreckage.
The collision involved three vehicles: a Chevrolet Silverado, a Ford F-250, and a Chevrolet Suburban. When first responders from multiple agencies—Holdrege Fire Department, Funk Fire Department, Loomis Fire Department, Phelps Memorial Hospital, and the Nebraska State Patrol—arrived, they were met with a harrowing sight. The Silverado and F-250 were engulfed in flames, their frames mangled from the violent impact. The Suburban, bearing severe damage to its driver’s side and front end, stood as a silent witness to the tragedy.
Inside the burning Chevrolet Silverado, three men were found, their lives tragically cut short by the crash and ensuing fire. Authorities later identified them as Wallace R. Martin, a 67-year-old resident of Holdrege, known for his deep roots in the community; Randall R. Franklin, 36, of Funk, a man whose vibrant spirit left a mark on those around him; and Justin M. Mason, 34, of Arapahoe, remembered for his warmth and vitality. Their bodies were transported to Omaha for autopsies, with final results pending additional forensic testing expected to take four to six weeks. The delay underscores the complexity of the investigation, as officials work tirelessly to piece together the events leading to this devastating loss.
The sole occupant of the Ford F-250, Brock W. Schneider, 35, of Axtell, was extracted from the wreckage and rushed to Phelps County Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He remains in serious but stable condition, fighting to recover from injuries sustained in the fiery crash. Alyssa K. Kahle, 35, of Minden, the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban, also clings to hope in serious condition at a local hospital. Miraculously, a minor passenger in Kahle’s vehicle emerged physically unharmed and was released to family members that same night, a small beacon of light in an otherwise dark tragedy.
The Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Nebraska State Patrol, is leading a meticulous investigation to uncover the cause of this catastrophic collision. Investigators are combing through crash reconstruction data, analyzing video footage, reviewing medical reports, and collecting witness statements to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. Preliminary findings are expected to reach the Phelps County Attorney’s Office within days, potentially shedding light on whether criminal charges are warranted. “We will exhaust all avenues to determine the cause of this accident,” said Phelps County Attorney Corey O’Brien, emphasizing a commitment to delivering answers to the survivors and the loved ones of those lost.
The crash, which coincided with a mass casualty training exercise nearby, tested the mettle of first responders, who displayed extraordinary professionalism under harrowing circumstances. The Phelps County Attorney’s Office extended heartfelt gratitude to the fire departments, law enforcement, and EMTs who braved the flames and wreckage to aid those involved. “Their swift action and unwavering dedication deserve our deepest appreciation,” O’Brien said, echoing the sentiments of a grieving community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information—whether they witnessed the crash, assisted in its immediate aftermath, or have details that could aid the inquiry—to come forward. The Phelps County Attorney’s Office (308-995-2293), Phelps County Sheriff’s Department (308-995-5692), and Nebraska State Patrol-Troop D Headquarters (308-535-8050) stand ready to receive tips that could unlock the truth behind this tragedy.
In the wake of this devastating event, Phelps County mourns the loss of three lives, their stories woven into the fabric of the community. The road to healing will be long, but the resilience of first responders, the determination of investigators, and the unity of neighbors offer a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow. As the investigation unfolds, the promise of answers looms, a step toward closure for those left behind in the shadow of this fateful night.
