Warning: This article contains discussion of violence, mental health, and suicide which some readers may find distressing.
A family of four has been discovered dead in what appears to be a triple murder-suicide, leading to an outpouring of grief from multiple communities.
On the morning of May 10, at approximately 9:45 am, Nebraska State Patrol responded to a residence at Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon.
Inside the home, authorities found four deceased individuals.
The victims were identified as Jeremy Koch, 42, Bailey Koch, 41, and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16.
The preliminary investigation suggests that Jeremy allegedly took the lives of his sons and wife before ending his own, according to a release from Nebraska State Patrol.
Reports indicate that all four family members suffered fatal knife wounds, with the weapon discovered at the scene.
A Facebook page reveals that Jeremy and Bailey had established a platform named Anchoring Hope for Mental Health. As high school sweethearts for over 25 years, they had been vocal about suicide, aiming to assure others they are ‘not alone’ and to raise awareness about mental health issues.
A post shared by the page Her View From Home describes Bailey as ‘a beloved friend, talented writer, and tireless mental health advocate’.
Bailey, a longtime contributor to the page, shared her experiences supporting her husband Jeremy, who reportedly had ‘survived multiple suicide attempts’ in the past.
“Bailey learned how to use words to paint a realistic picture of the complicated fight for mental health. She believed it was about much more than medication or therapy or walks for suicide prevention; Bailey believed change happens through raw, unflinching truth-telling. It’s why she invited us all into her family’s story, time and time again,” the page explains.
The page also commends the Koch family as ‘incredibly beautiful’, highlighting how Bailey referred to Jeremy as her ‘hottie hubbie’ and praised their sons as ‘brilliant’ and ‘bright’.
One of the sons was reportedly set to graduate from Cozad Community Schools, which addressed the ‘tragic situation’ on Facebook.
A statement reads: “Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.
“Cozad Middle School will open at 12:30 today for grieving students and staff. The Cozad High School Graduation ceremony remains scheduled for 4:00 pm today. Seniors should report to the high school at 2:00 pm today.
“We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion, and unity.”
In a follow-up post, it added: “In light of yesterday’s tragedy, we understand that some students may be experiencing some difficulties. The high school commons will be open for students this afternoon from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. We will have school staff and counselors available for support.
“We will also have support available for students and staff when school resumes on Monday.”
Holdrege Public Schools also acknowledged the tragedy, mentioning the community is ‘grieving’ following ‘a tragic event that has deeply affected us all’.
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted,” its statement shared to Facebook continues. “Holdrege Middle School will be open today from 3:00–5:00 p.m. for students and staff who wish to gather, grieve, and support one another. We’re grateful for the strength and compassion of our community during this difficult time.”
The Dawson County Attorney has ordered autopsies for all four family members, with the investigation still in progress.
The Nebraska State Patrol is heading the investigation, with support from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and Dawson County Attorney.
Nebraska State Patrol’s release concludes: “The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who will be affected by this incident.”
As the Her View From Home post concludes: “Bailey would be the first to tell you her story is not an easy one to hear. But the world needs it. We are honored to share it.
“As we grieve, we know Bailey would want just that one thing from us—to keep sharing her story. To speak for her, because of her. We’ll let her words on mental health and perseverance and faith be her legacy.
“As she liked to say, mental illness does not win. Hope does.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].