A Nebraska community has been left reeling after what was meant to be a celebratory milestone turned into a devastating tragedy.
On May 10, just hours before 18-year-old Hudson Koch was due to graduate from Cozad High School, authorities found the bodies of Hudson, his younger brother Asher, 16, and their parents, Jeremy and Bailey Koch, at the family’s home near Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, 42-year-old Jeremy allegedly fatally stabbed his entire family before taking his own life.
All four family members were discovered in their beds with fatal knife wounds, and the weapon was located at the scene. Police believe it was a triple murder-suicide.
The horrific discovery was made around 9:45AM by Bailey’s parents, Lane and Peggy Kugler.
“I found our two grandsons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, and our daughter Bailey, and our son-in-law Jeremy, dead laying in their beds,” they shared in a gut-wrenching Facebook post. “What I saw will haunt me the rest of my life.”
"Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy that committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind," Lane continued.
"Bailey, Jeremy, and the boy’s faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together, and Jeremy’s sickness is gone," she added.
Jeremy had reportedly been discharged from a mental health facility just three days earlier after a five-day stay.
Bailey, a teacher and mental health advocate, had posted about his treatment on the couple’s Facebook page “Anchoring Hope for Mental Health,” where the high school sweethearts shared their journey to help others feel less alone.
“What a difference five days, some hydration and nutrition, med adjustments, therapies, and a safety plan can make!!!” Bailey penned in a hopeful message alongside a smiling photo of them in the car. “Thank you for praying and for your unwavering support as I take Hottie Hubby HOME in time for our son’s high school graduation!”
Despite the optimism, Jeremy’s mental health struggles appeared to persist. In an earlier, since-deleted GoFundMe, Bailey described her husband surviving multiple suicide attempts, including a recent car crash.
“When he awoke, he was destroyed his attempt hadn’t worked,” she wrote, per News Channel Nebraska.
In the wake of the tragedy, Holdrege Public Schools released a statement describing Bailey as "a passionate educator, a caring colleague, and a bright presence in the school community," adding that "her presence will be deeply missed by all".
Cozad Community Schools also addressed the heartbreaking incident, stating: “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.”
The high school graduation proceeded as scheduled, but grief counseling and support services were made available for students and staff.
Jeremy and Bailey had been together for over 25 years, having met in high school. They were known for their advocacy in mental health, hoping to foster compassion and understanding.
The Dawson County Attorney has ordered autopsies, and the investigation is ongoing, led by the Nebraska State Patrol with support from local authorities.
In a statement, the Nebraska State Patrol said: “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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.