Tragedy: Father kills his entire family in the community…See more
The words alone are difficult to process — and for one Nebraska town, they have become a devastating reality.
What Authorities Say Happened
A Nebraska father, Jeremy Koch, 42, is believed to have fatally stabbed his wife Bailey, 41, and sons Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, before killing himself—just hours before his son’s high school graduation on May 10.
The timing has left many struggling to understand how a day meant to celebrate a milestone turned into one of unimaginable loss.
A Long-Running Mental Health Struggle
Authorities say Koch had a long history of mental illness, including multiple suicide attempts.
Those closest to the family say this struggle was not hidden.
A Family That Spoke Publicly About Their Pain
His wife had publicly shared their struggles to raise awareness.
Her openness was intended to help others — and now, her words are being revisited as the community reflects on what more could have been done.
A Town Left Reeling
The incident has shaken the Cozad community, with school officials and family calling attention to the urgent need for better mental health care.
Counselors, educators, and neighbors are grappling with grief — and with questions that extend far beyond this one family.
What Happens Next
Autopsies have been ordered as the investigation continues.\
As authorities work to confirm the details, a community mourns — and a broader conversation about mental health, warning signs, and access to care continues to grow.
