LEIGH, Stanton County, Neb., Nov. 7, 2026 — A driver died, and three other people were hospitalized after a two-vehicle crash on Thursday morning, November 5, on a rural county road northwest of Leigh, Nebraska.
The Stanton County Sheriff's Office said the crash happened at about 7:44 a.m. on 563rd Avenue, roughly seven miles northwest of Leigh. An SUV traveling southbound reportedly collided nearly head-on with a northbound sedan near the crest of a hill on the two-lane road.
The sedan's driver, identified by the sheriff's office as 21-year-old Christina Brandl of Humphrey, Nebraska, was pronounced dead at the scene. The SUV's driver, identified as 35-year-old Kelsey Hake of Leigh, was traveling with two children at the time of the crash. All three were taken by ambulance to Faith Health in Norfolk. Hake was later transferred to a hospital in Omaha for further treatment, and her daughters were treated at the Norfolk hospital.
Authorities said multiple airbags deployed in both vehicles, and both vehicles were destroyed in the collision. The Stanton County Sheriff's Office said its investigation is continuing, and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled in Omaha for Brandl.
Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
More on Crashes in Leigh, NE
This fatal crash happened on 563rd Avenue in Leigh, NE. We cover crashes across Stanton County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Stanton County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crash more likely to be fatal?
A head-on collision, high speed, or impact near a blind spot such as a hilltop or curve can all raise the chance of serious injury or death, since there is little time for either driver to react.
Does seat belt use really change the outcome of a crash?
Yes. A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown against the interior of the vehicle or ejected, which lowers the risk of severe injury or death in a crash of almost any speed.
What should a family do after a fatal crash like this one?
Families can request a copy of the official crash report from the investigating agency, ask about the timeline for any post-mortem findings, and contact the sheriff's office directly with questions as the investigation continues.
