Tragedy in Dawson County: Nebraska Family of Four Lost on Son’s Graduation Day

What should have been a joyful celebration turned into heartbreak for the small town of Cozad, Nebraska, when a family of four was found dead in their home on May 10 — the same day their eldest son was set to graduate from high school.

Authorities believe the incident was a murder-suicide, driven by long-term struggles with mental illness. According to the Nebraska State Patrol, 42-year-old Jeremy Koch is suspected of fatally stabbing his wife, Bailey Koch (41), and their two sons — Hudson (18) and Asher (16) — before taking his own life. Officers responded to the home just before 10 a.m. and found the four deceased. A knife believed to be the weapon was recovered at the scene.

The tragic discovery cast a heavy cloud over Cozad High School’s graduation ceremony that same day. Superintendent Dan Endorf addressed the grieving community with heartfelt words. “Our senior class and entire community are mourning a profound loss today,” he said. “Even on a day meant for celebration, we must come together to support one another and honor our graduates.”

Bailey’s parents, Lane and Peg Kugler, later shared a statement on social media, revealing that Jeremy had battled severe mental illness since around 2009. He had survived multiple suicide attempts and had been undergoing treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy, which he reportedly stopped earlier this year. Bailey had been open about her family’s journey, often writing about mental health on platforms like Her View From Home and managing a Facebook page dedicated to education and awareness.

In a heartbreaking post shortly before the tragedy, Bailey described how Jeremy’s condition was rapidly declining. She recalled a chilling moment in March when she woke up to find him standing over her with a knife, saying, “Something is wrong.” She was able to calm him and encouraged him to seek medical help.

Just a week before the tragedy, on May 3, Jeremy reportedly survived multiple suicide attempts. In her final public messages, Bailey shared the pain of watching mental illness take over someone she loved. “Mental illness is robbing me of my husband,” she wrote. “Please, I’m asking everyone to take this crisis seriously before more families are torn apart.”

Autopsies have been ordered, and the Nebraska State Patrol is continuing the investigation.

A Wake-Up Call on Mental Health

This devastating loss is more than a family tragedy — it’s a stark reminder of the very real, and too often hidden, crisis surrounding mental health. The Koch family’s story sheds light on the daily struggles many families face behind closed doors, and the desperate need for better access to mental health care and support systems.

Cozad is now mourning not just the lives lost, but also the painful reality that many in this country are still battling mental illness without the help they need. As the community grieves, the hope is that this tragedy sparks lasting change — in how we talk about mental health, how we respond to those in crisis, and how we support the families affected.

Because behind every silent struggle is someone hoping to be heard — and a family praying for help before it’s too late.