Local News
Victims killed in Platte River plane crash identified
DODGE COUNTY, NE — Authorities have identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on the Platte River late Friday evening.
In a statement released Saturday afternoon, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirmed the victims as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas; 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger of Fremont, Nebraska; and 48-year-old Randy Amrein, also of Fremont.
The fatal crash occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Friday, when a small aircraft went down in the Platte River, just south of Fremont.
Multiple emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Sgt. Brie Frank with the DCSO stated that several agencies, including air and water rescue units, were involved in the coordinated response effort.
Airboats were deployed to navigate the river, and an Omaha Police Department helicopter provided aerial support to survey the crash site.
Assisting agencies included the Waterloo and Valley Fire Departments, the Nebraska State Patrol, and additional regional emergency services.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have assumed control of the investigation and will conduct a thorough analysis to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.
No further details have been released at this time.
Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area while recovery and investigative efforts continue.
Local News
Indiana Police Officer Ronnell Johnson Fatally Shot While Handling Personal Firearm at Marion Health Hospital
Authorities in Indiana are investigating the fatal shooting of a Marion Health Police Officer who died early Sunday morning after an accidental firearm discharge inside Marion Health Hospital in Grant County.
According to the Indiana State Police, the incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, when 25-year-old Officer Ronnell J. Johnson, of Marion, Indiana, was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound. Officer Johnson was on duty at the time of the incident.
Initial findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that Officer Johnson was handling a personally-owned, non-department-issued handgun when the firearm discharged, striking him.
Details surrounding how the weapon was being handled and the moments leading up to the injury have not yet been fully clarified.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies—including the Indiana State Police, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Marion City Police Department, and Marion Health Police Department—responded immediately.
Hospital medical staff initiated life-saving measures; however, despite their efforts, Officer Johnson succumbed to his injuries.
He was later pronounced deceased by the Grant County Coroner’s Office.
Family notification has been completed, and an autopsy is scheduled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasize that no additional details will be released until further evidence is reviewed.
Indiana State Police Detectives are leading the investigation at the request of the Marion City Police Department.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Indiana State Police Peru Post and medical personnel from Marion Health Hospital.
The circumstances remain under active review.