Semi driver was on Snapchat in crash that killed mom and her 8-year-old son, cops say
A semi driver is accused of being on Snapchat as he crashed into a mother and her 8-year-old son, killing them, according to Nebraska authorities and news reports.
Justin Zoerb, 22, has now been charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide and one count of reckless driving following the Aug. 9, 2023, crash in Clay County, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department said in a Dec. 9 news release.
Nicole Pavelka, 30, and her 8-year-old son, Ryker Schlichtman, were killed in the crash, according to a Nebraska State Patrol news release obtained by Platte Valley Media. Three other children in the family from Davenport were hospitalized with injuries and survived.
Zoerb was was driving a semi loaded with animal feed the day of the fatal crash, KLKN reported.
He had been sending and receiving messages on Snapchat when he came upon traffic in front of him, according to an affidavit obtained by KRVN.
His last message came at 4:07 p.m., and the 911 call regarding the crash came one minute later, KSNB reported, citing court documents.
It’s believed Zoerb was traveling 70 mph in the 65-mph zone when he attempted to break and steer to the right to avoid traffic in front of him, according to KSNB.
But as he swerved from the westbound lane to the eastbound lane, his semi struck Pavelka’s SUV head on, KLKN reported. Pavelka and Ryker died at the scene.
Zoerb reportedly had an active warrant and was arrested at the scene. Now, he faces charges from the fatal crash.
The sheriff’s office said Zoerb was jailed Dec. 8 in Custer County and posted bond the same day.
According to his obituary, Ryker was a “spunky, fun-loving little boy” who was “tough as nails.” He enjoyed playing Fortnite with his siblings and riding bikes with his friends.
“He always had a goofy grin on his face and loved his family immensely,” according to the obituary.
His mom, according to her own obituary, was a nurse, but her title as “mom” is what she took the most pride in.
“Nicole and her high school sweetheart, Dan, created a beautiful family together with four wonderful children,” her obituary said. “She treasured the time they spent fishing, going to the lake, family vacations and having barbecues.”
Clay County is about an 85-mile drive southwest from Lincoln.
This story was originally published December 10, 2024 at 12:34 PM with the headline "Semi driver was on Snapchat in crash that killed mom and her 8-year-old son, cops say."