A family of four has died on what was meant to be a day of celebration. Credit: Facebook/ Bailey Koch
Warning: This article contains content that may be distressing to some readers.
A Nebraska community is in shock after a graduation celebration ended in unimaginable tragedy.
What began as a joyous milestone turned into a heartbreaking loss for one family.
On May 10, hours before 18-year-old Hudson Koch was set to graduate from Cozad High School, tragedy struck.
Authorities discovered the bodies of Hudson, his 16-year-old brother Asher, and their parents, Jeremy and Bailey Koch, in their home near Johnson Lake, Plum Creek Canyon.
The Nebraska State Patrol reported that 42-year-old Jeremy allegedly fatally stabbed his entire family before taking his own life.
All four were found in their beds with fatal knife wounds.
The weapon was recovered at the scene, and investigators believe it was a triple murder-suicide.
Bailey’s parents, Lane and Peggy Kugler, made the heartbreaking discovery around 9:45 a.m.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Lane and Peggy Kugler, Bailey Koch’s parents, shared the devastating discovery:
“I found our two grandsons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, and our daughter Bailey, and our son-in-law Jeremy, dead, lying in their beds. What I saw will haunt me the rest of my life.”
Lane went on to explain that Jeremy had struggled with mental illness for many years, which eventually turned into psychosis.
“It was not Jeremy who committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind,” Lane said.
Despite the tragedy, they took comfort in their faith:
“Bailey, Jeremy, and the boys’ 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.”
Jeremy had been discharged from a mental health facility just three days before the tragedy.
Bailey, a teacher and mental health advocate, had shared updates on their Facebook page “Anchoring Hope for Mental Health,” where the couple chronicled their journey to help others feel less alone.
In one post, Bailey expressed hope after Jeremy’s treatment, writing:
“What a difference five days, some hydration and nutrition, med adjustments, therapies, and a safety plan can make!!!” alongside a smiling photo of them in the car. She thanked supporters for their prayers, adding, “Thank you for praying and for your unwavering support as I take Hottie Hubby HOME in time for our son’s high school graduation!”
However, despite this optimism, Jeremy’s mental health struggles seemed to continue. Bailey had previously shared in a now-deleted GoFundMe that her husband survived multiple suicide attempts, including a recent car crash.
“When he awoke, he was destroyed his attempt hadn’t worked,” she wrote.
Following the tragedy, Holdrege Public Schools described Bailey as “a passionate educator, a caring colleague, and a bright presence in the school community,” noting that “her presence will be deeply missed by all.”
Cozad Community Schools also addressed the 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 went ahead as scheduled, though grief counseling and support services were made available to students and staff.
Jeremy and Bailey had been together for over 25 years, having met in high school. They were known for their mental health advocacy, working to promote compassion and understanding.
Autopsies have been ordered by the Dawson County Attorney, and the Nebraska State Patrol, with local authorities, is leading the ongoing investigation.
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.
