ARAPAHOE, NE — A fatal crash on Highway 6 west of Arapahoe claimed the life of an 18-year-old Cambridge teenager on Sunday afternoon and left three others injured, according to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP). The accident occurred around 4 p.m., prompting a response from troopers and the Furnas County Sheriff’s Office.
Preliminary investigations reveal that a Ford Ranger, driven by 18-year-old James Wolf of Cambridge, was traveling westbound on the highway when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound Jeep Grand Cherokee. Wolf was critically injured in the crash and transported to Cambridge Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities confirmed that Wolf was the only person in the Ford Ranger at the time of the collision.
His sudden death has left the Cambridge community in mourning, with friends and family remembering him as a kind and hardworking young man. Three individuals were inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee during the crash. An adult female passenger suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln for further treatment. The driver of the Jeep and an infant who was also in the vehicle were taken to Cambridge Hospital for minor injuries and were released later that day.
The crash caused significant traffic disruptions along the highway, which remained closed for several hours while investigators documented the scene and cleared the wreckage. The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from local law enforcement, is continuing its investigation to determine what caused the Ford Ranger to drift into oncoming traffic.
As the investigation continues, officials have not confirmed whether any factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role in the collision. The NSP is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The tragic loss of James Wolf has deeply impacted the small town of Cambridge. Loved ones have begun sharing memories of the young man online, and a memorial is expected in the coming days. The community is also rallying around the injured victims and their families as they recover from the crash. The Nebraska State Patrol will release further updates as more information becomes available.
