Freeman Public Schools and the community of Adams are mourning the loss of 18-year-old Nathan Milke today.
Milke, a 2010 Freeman graduate, was killed early Wednesday morning after the car he was driving collided into the back of a semitrailer at 84th Street and Nebraska Highway 2 in Lincoln.
According to a press release from the Lincoln Police Department, at approximately 5:49 a.m., Milke was driving a purple 1999 Chrysler Concorde westbound on Nebraska 2 when the car rear-ended a 2001 Freightliner semitrailer that was stopped at a red light.
Witnesses said Milke's car didn't appear to slow before it slammed into the back of the semitrailer.
The impact resulted in the car being partially wedged underneath the semitrailer.
Officials remained on the scene for eight hours investigating the accident. Police say Milke's seatbelt was in use and alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Freeman Public Schools Superintendent Randy Page said it's been a "extremely difficult" day for the school and the community of Adams.
"Nathan was a fantastic young man," Page said. "He was very positive, well liked and respected by his peers and the staff at Freeman. He was a good student, a good athlete and was involved in extracurricular activities at Freeman. We'll miss him."
Page said a crisis team spent much of Wednesday helping students and adults who knew Milke. The team will be at the school again Thursday. Local clergy will also be available to talk to.
"We want to be here for them during this difficult time," Page said.
The teen, who graduated this year, had been on his way to work in Lincoln, Page said.
Milke's family has long lived in the Adams area, Page added.
"It's a difficult day for the family," Page said. "Our condolences go out to the Milke family and they're obviously in our thoughts and prayers."