Charles Potosnyak Obituary, Death News – A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred Thursday evening near Laurel, Nebraska, resulting in the death of a 70-year-old man. The crash took place just before 9 p.m. and involved a passenger car and a semi-truck.
According to an official statement from the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened at approximately 8:49 p.m. at the junction of Highway 59 and Highway 15, a location not far from the small town of Laurel. Preliminary findings indicate that a Peterbilt semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Highway 59 when a 2004 Buick Century entered the highway from the northbound lanes of Highway 15.
The Buick, driven by Charles Potosnyak of Coleridge, Nebraska, failed to yield to the oncoming truck as it turned onto Highway 59. The resulting collision proved deadly. Authorities pronounced Potosnyak dead at the scene.
Officials also reported that Potosnyak was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a detail that may have contributed to the fatal outcome. No information has been released regarding the condition of the semi-truck driver, and it remains unclear whether they sustained any injuries.
Emergency personnel from Laurel Fire and EMS, along with troopers from the Nebraska State Patrol, responded promptly to the crash scene, providing medical assistance and securing the area. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the scene was safely managed and the investigation could proceed without interruption.
The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision. At this time, no charges have been filed, and further details will likely emerge as investigators complete their review of the incident. Authorities are working to determine whether factors such as road conditions, visibility, or speed may have played a role in the crash.
The intersection of Highway 59 and Highway 15 is a commonly traveled area for both local residents and commercial vehicles, and though typically not considered high-risk, any intersection where two highways meet can pose dangers when drivers do not yield the right of way.
Potosnyak’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of defensive driving and seatbelt use. Law enforcement agencies frequently emphasize the life-saving benefits of wearing seatbelts, and statistics from national traffic safety organizations consistently show that failure to wear a seatbelt increases the risk of fatal injury in crashes.
As the investigation continues, community members in Cedar County and the surrounding area are left mourning the sudden loss of a local resident. Charles Potosnyak was a member of the Coleridge community, and news of his death has undoubtedly impacted those who knew him.
Authorities have not announced plans for further public updates unless new findings are uncovered during the investigation. The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information relevant to the case to come forward.
For now, the community is left reflecting on the dangers that can unfold in an instant on the road. While crashes involving large trucks and passenger vehicles are not uncommon, each incident carries its own weight and lasting consequences.
Local officials continue to remind drivers to remain vigilant at all times, especially when approaching intersections or merging into busy roadways. The timing of such decisions—yielding or turning—can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.
While it is too early to draw final conclusions, the initial assessment highlights that Potosnyak entered the intersection without yielding to the eastbound Peterbilt truck. The exact reasons for this misjudgment are still unknown. Investigators may look into potential contributing factors such as distraction, visibility, or medical issues, but no statements have yet been made on those possibilities.
The Nebraska State Patrol is expected to support the ongoing reconstruction of the crash scene, which typically includes reviewing skid marks, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence. These efforts help to establish a clearer understanding of the moments leading up to the collision.
In the aftermath of the crash, both highways were likely affected by temporary closures or delays as emergency personnel worked the scene. Traffic flow has since returned to normal, but the incident remains fresh in the minds of local travelers.
Charles Potosnyak’s death adds to the growing number of fatalities on Nebraska roads this year, and his case underscores the importance of continued public education on traffic safety. Community leaders and law enforcement agencies often urge drivers—especially older motorists—to take extra care while navigating intersections and high-traffic areas.
In memory of Potosnyak, friends and family are expected to gather in the coming days to honor his life and legacy. While he may be remembered for many things, his passing also serves as a call to action for all drivers to make safety their top priority on the roads.
As the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office completes its investigation, any additional details will be shared with the public. Until then, the tragic events of Thursday night stand as a somber reminder of how quickly lives can change in a moment on Nebraska’s highways.
