Omaha, NE (April 27, 2026) – A 48-year-old woman died after a crash involving a suspected drunk driver on Friday, April 24, near 58th Street and Northwest Radial Highway. The collision occurred in the evening and quickly turned dangerous when one of the vehicles caught fire.
According to investigators, a Nissan Altima driven by 23-year-old Chase Rivera was heading westbound on NW Radial Highway when he ran a red light. The Altima struck a Toyota Corolla driven by 48-year-old Mica Bryant, who was traveling southbound on 58th Street and turning right onto NW Radial Highway.
After the impact, the Altima hit a light pole, bringing down power lines, and caught fire. Bryant was taken to a nearby hospital with CPR in progress and later died from her injuries.
Rivera was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including DUI causing serious bodily injury, reckless driving, refusal of a preliminary breath test, and an open container violation.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to Mica Bryant’s family and loved ones.
What Are the Legal Consequences of a Fatal DUI Crash in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, a DUI that results in someone’s death carries far more serious consequences than a standard drunk driving charge. When a fatality is involved, the offense can be elevated to a felony, which may result in significant prison time, heavy fines, and a long-term loss of driving privileges. The presence of additional charges — such as reckless driving or open container — can further affect the outcome of a case.
Nebraska law requires chemical testing after a serious crash, and refusing a breath or blood test can itself carry penalties under the state’s implied consent laws. Courts in cases like these typically consider the full record of the driver’s conduct leading up to the collision. The combination of charges filed after a fatal DUI crash often reflects the severity of the harm caused.
