On May 10, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Johnson Lake, Nebraska, where a family of four was discovered dead in what authorities believe to be a murder-suicide. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence around 9:45 a.m. and found Jeremy Koch, 42, his wife Bailey, 41, and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, all deceased from fatal stab wounds. Investigators suspect that Jeremy Koch fatally stabbed his wife and sons before taking his own life.
The tragedy occurred on the day Hudson was set to graduate from high school. Bailey Koch, a special education teacher, had recently expressed concerns about her husband’s mental health struggles, noting his depression since 2009 and a particularly alarming incident in March. Just days before the tragedy, Bailey had posted on social media about Jeremy’s upcoming admission to a mental health facility and expressed hope for his presence at their eldest son’s high school graduation.
The community, including Holdrege Public Schools and Cozad Community Schools, where Bailey taught and the boys attended, is grieving the loss. Mental health resources and counseling services have been made available, and school officials encouraged communal support during this difficult time.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the need for accessible support systems. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, professional help is available by calling 988 or visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.