I-80 Accident Claims Life of O'Neill Man, 20

KEARNEY, Neb. -- Authorities say a 20-year-old O'Neill man has died on Interstate 80 in central Nebraska after losing control of his pickup near the Odessa interchange.

Brady Wakefield was driving a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel pick-up westbound when the rear passenger tire blew out, causing the truck to roll through the median of the interstate.

Wakefield was pronounced dead on scene. Wakefield's passenger, 58-year-old Jeff Hoier of Herman, was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover and was transported to CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney. The condition of the passenger is unknown at this time.

NSP did say Wakefield was wearing a seat belt at the the time of the accident. Eastbound traffic on I-80 was diverted for one and a half hours, through a rest stop before both lanes were re-opened.

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