A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken up a few Nebraska communities. A family of four was found dead in what police are calling a ‘triple murder-suicide’.
It happened the morning of May 10, around 9:45 am, at a house near Johnson Lake in Plum Creek Canyon.
When officers got there, they found Jeremy Koch, 42, his wife Bailey, 41, and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, all dead inside.
Police believe the father killed his family and himself
Investigators say it looks like Jeremy killed his wife and sons, then took his own life.
Nebraska State Patrol said all four had fatal knife wounds, and they found the weapon at the scene.
The couple had been open about mental health struggles
Jeremy and Bailey had actually been vocal about mental health issues for years.
They even started a Facebook page called Anchoring Hope for Mental Health to help others feel less alone.
The two had been together since high school and were open about their journey and struggles, hoping it might help someone else going through similar things.
Bailey was a vocal advocate and writer on mental health
Bailey often wrote about her husband’s mental health struggles.
Her View From Home, a site she contributed to, called her “a beloved friend, talented writer, and tireless mental health advocate.”
She’d been open about Jeremy’s past suicide attempts and never hid how hard it was.
Bailey learned how to use words to paint a realistic picture of the complicated fight for mental health. She believed it was about much more than medication or therapy or walks for suicide prevention.
Bailey believed change happens through raw, unflinching truth-telling. It’s why she invited us all into her family’s story, time and time again.
Friends and supporters remember a loving family
People who knew them say the Kochs were a beautiful, loving family.
The Her View From Home tribute also said Bailey used to call Jeremy her “hottie hubbie,” and described their sons as bright, thoughtful kids.
One of the sons was about to graduate high school
Hudson, their oldest son, was getting ready to graduate from Cozad Community Schools.
After the news broke, the school shared a message on Facebook about the heartbreaking loss.
The local school opened its doors for grieving students
The school’s post read:
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Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.
Cozad Middle School will open at 12:30 today for grieving students and staff. The Cozad High School Graduation ceremony remains scheduled for 4:00 pm today. Seniors should report to the high school at 2:00 pm today.
We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity.
Later they added another post to let people know there’d be extra support:
In light of yesterday’s tragedy, we understand that some students may be experiencing some difficulties. The high school commons will be open for students this afternoon from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
We will have school staff and counselors available for support. We will also have support available for students and staff when school resumes on Monday.
Another nearby school also offered grief support
Holdrege Public Schools, a nearby district, also spoke out in a statement on Facebook:
Our hearts are with everyone impacted. Holdrege Middle School will be open today from 3:00–5:00 p.m. for students and staff who wish to gather, grieve, and support one another. We’re grateful for the strength and compassion of our community during this difficult time.
The investigation is still ongoing
Autopsies have been ordered, and the case is still under investigation.
Nebraska State Patrol is leading it, along with the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the county attorney.
The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who will be affected by this incident.
Loved ones want Bailey’s message of hope to live on
Even through this loss, the people closest to Bailey want her mission and her message to keep going.
Bailey would be the first to tell you her story is not an easy one to hear. But the world needs it. We are honored to share it.
As we grieve, we know Bailey would want just that one thing from us: to keep sharing her story. To speak for her, because of her. We’ll let her words on mental health and perseverance and faith be her legacy.
As she liked to say, mental illness does not win. Hope does.
