Central Nebraska Today
GOTHENBURG — On Feb. 10, 2025, at 8:13 a.m. the Gothenburg Police Department, Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, and Nebraska State Patrol all responded to the area of Lake Avenue (Highway 47) and Lakeview Drive on a report of a wrecked vehicle in the Nebraska Public Power Canal.
Upon arrival it was discovered there were two people in the vehicle who were deceased, the driver, 70 year old Jesse M. Magana and front seat passenger, his wife, 65 year old Annette Magana, both of Gothenburg.
Investigation revealed the vehicle, on the previous night, Feb. 9, 2025, at approximately 11 p.m. had been west bound on 27h Street, crossed Lake Avenue, and then struck the north canal bank head-on, sliding down into the dry canal where it remained until discovered the next morning.
The Investigation is ongoing. Seatbelts were not in use, speed and alcohol are suspected.
The Gothenburg Police Department would like to express the deepest sympathy to the family.
We would also like to offer our extreme thanks to the members of the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Top Notch Towing, Dawson County Attorney, and Blase Strauser Memorial Chapel for their assistance.
