The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly motorcycle crash that happened around 8:00 Saturday night near the NW 48th Street and I-80 interchange. Investigators says the preliminary investigation indicates a Nebraska State Trooper tried to stop a motorcycle for speeding westbound on I-80.
NSP spokesman Cody Thomas says the trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the motorcycle did not stop and accelerated. He says the rider, 59-year-old Jeffery McDonald of Malcolm, continued driving recklessly, posing a danger to other motorists on the road, which lead to a pursuit.
Thomas says McDonald weaved through traffic multiple times, drove onto the shoulder, and then exited I-80. “As the motorcycle was exiting I-80, the rider failed to navigate the off-ramp and crashed,” Thomas says.
Thomas says the trooper arrived on scene moments later, called for paramedics, and attempted life-saving measures. Despite those efforts, McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene. The entire pursuit lasted three minutes. Investigators are trying to determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered, and the findings will be turned over to the Lancaster County Attorney.