Wakefield, NE – Motorcyclist Killed in Crash at Hwy 9 & Hwy 35
Wakefield, NE (May 8, 2026) – A 35-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash at the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 35 north of Wakefield on Tuesday, May 5, at approximately 5:40 a.m. Ernesto De La Cruz of Wakefield was riding northbound on Highway 35 when a southbound Chevrolet Malibu turned left in front of him at the intersection.
The Malibu, driven by Cain Pacheco Escobar, turned eastbound and struck De La Cruz's motorcycle in the northbound lane of travel. Emergency units life-flighted De La Cruz to a hospital in Omaha, where he was later pronounced dead. Escobar suffered minor injuries and received treatment at a hospital in Wayne, Nebraska.
The Dixon County Sheriff’s Office and State Police continue to investigate the crash.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ernesto De La Cruz.
How Long Families Have to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Nebraska
In Nebraska, families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the party responsible for the crash. Missing this deadline typically eliminates the right to seek compensation through the courts entirely.
Nebraska's wrongful death statute allows certain family members to seek compensation for losses resulting from a loved one's death. These losses may include funeral and burial expenses, lost income and financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a family member.
In crashes involving a left-turn collision, establishing fault often centers on which driver had the right of way. A wrongful death attorney can review the police report, crash reconstruction findings, and witness accounts to evaluate the strength of the case.
Acting early after a fatal crash helps preserve critical evidence. Skid marks, vehicle damage, road conditions, and witness recollections fade quickly. Surveillance footage from nearby cameras may also be available for a limited time. Starting the legal process promptly gives an attorney the best opportunity to gather and preserve this evidence before it disappears.
If your family lost someone in a motorcycle crash in Nebraska, Harris & Associates can review the details of the case and explain what legal options may be available to you. We have experience handling wrongful death cases across Nebraska and can walk you through how filing deadlines, fault determinations, and compensation work under Nebraska law.
To discuss your situation with a member of our team, call Harris & Associates at (402) 397-1202 to find out what steps may be available for your family.
Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Harris & Associates, P.C, L.L.O has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Harris & Associates, P.C, L.L.O so we can promptly review and update the content.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Harris & Associates, P.C, L.L.O. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.











