A 22-year-old truck driver in Nebraska is facing serious charges after a tragic accident claimed the lives of a mother and her young son. Authorities say the driver, Justin Zoerb, was using Snapchat on his phone when the crash happened.
The devastating collision took place on August 9, 2023, at the intersection of Highway 6 and Road A in Clay County, Nebraska. According to investigators, Zoerb, who was hauling animal feed in a semitruck, failed to slow down for stopped traffic ahead.
In a desperate attempt to avoid hitting the vehicles, he swerved into the opposite lane, losing control of the truck. He ended up slamming head-on into a Buick Enclave carrying 30-year-old Nicole Pavelka and four children.
The crash tragically killed Nicole and her 8-year-old son, Ryker Schlichtman. The three other children in the car were seriously injured and rushed to the hospital but thankfully survived.
Following the crash, investigators discovered that Zoerb had been exchanging messages on Snapchat just moments before the accident. A forensic search of his phone revealed that the last message was sent at 4:07 p.m., about one minute before the first 911 call came in. Authorities believe Zoerb was driving at around 70 mph, slightly over the 65-mph speed limit on that stretch of Highway 6.
Zoerb was arrested on Sunday and charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving. He was initially taken into custody for unrelated warrants, but the investigation into the crash led to these new charges. He has since been released on bond.
Sheriff Jeff Franklin of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office spoke about the case in a statement, emphasizing the importance of accountability. “This arrest reflects our commitment to seeking justice for the victims and their families,” he said. “Our office extends its deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The crash serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of distracted driving. Authorities hope this case will raise awareness about the consequences of using a phone while behind the wheel.
