Nemaha County, NE — December 3, 2025, Shawna Harkendorff was killed in a truck accident at about 4 p.m. on U.S. Route 75 south of Auburn.

Authorities said a northbound Lincoln MKC and a southbound Freightliner semi-truck collided near 726 Road.

Lincoln driver Shawna Harkendorff, 41, of Falls City was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The truck driver was hospitalized with possible injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Nemaha County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Based on what’s currently known about the crash in Nemaha County, there’s one thing that stands out immediately: we don’t yet know how a northbound SUV and a southbound 18-wheeler ended up colliding head-on. That’s not just an open question. It’s the entire ballgame when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible.

Depending on where exactly the impact occurred — whether it was in the northbound or southbound lane — different legal issues arise. If the semi-truck crossed over the center line, then the focus turns to why that happened. Was the truck driver distracted? Fatigued? Did something go wrong with the vehicle? On the other hand, if the SUV drifted into the truck’s path, then the legal inquiry shifts in a different direction. But at this point, there’s no clear answer either way.

In any case involving a fatal crash with a commercial truck, surface-level details don’t cut it. The only way to get to the truth is through a proper investigation. That means looking at cell phone records to rule out distraction, pulling engine control module data to see the truck’s speed and braking behavior, and checking for in-cab camera footage, if the trucking company had any installed.

It’s also fair to ask what role the trucking company may have played. Was the driver properly vetted and trained? Did the company overlook red flags in the driver’s employment history? I’ve handled cases where a driver with multiple firings somehow landed another job behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, and nobody at the company asked the right questions. Those aren't just hiring mistakes. They’re time bombs waiting to go off.

Until these kinds of questions are answered with hard evidence, it’s premature to place blame on either party. But the fact remains: a woman lost her life, and the public deserves to know how and why it happened.

Key Takeaways:

• It's unclear which vehicle crossed the center line or why the crash occurred.
• Cell phone records, black box data and in-cab cameras may help clarify events.
• The truck driver's background and the company's hiring practices deserve scrutiny.
• Determining fault requires more than police statements. It takes a full investigation.
• Accountability depends on evidence, not assumptions.