LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Nebraska State Patrol is actively investigating a series of fatal crashes that occurred during Friday's winter storm. Responding to a total of 14 crashes and offering assistance to 36 motorists, troopers were confronted with treacherous winter driving conditions throughout the day and into Saturday morning.

One of the incidents involved a three-vehicle collision on Interstate 80 near mile marker 184 at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Friday. According to preliminary investigations, a westbound GMC Yukon lost control before crossing the median, colliding with an eastbound Honda SUV and a semi-truck. Tragically, the driver of the GMC, 27-year-old Lezter Juarez, and the passenger, 25-year-old Janice Arriaga-Martinez, both from Lincoln, were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Concerning the Honda occupants, all four individuals were immediately transported to Great Plains Health in North Platte with serious injuries. Subsequently, three of the individuals were transferred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha for further medical treatment. Fortunately, the semi-truck driver did not sustain any injuries. The complete closure of I-80 due to the crash persisted until 8:30 p.m.

Another tragic incident occurred at around 5:45 p.m. when the Nebraska State Patrol responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-80 near mile marker 211. Traveling in winter driving conditions, a Ford pickup suddenly lost control and rolled over. The driver, 53-year-old Joseph Dodson from North Platte, was tragically ejected from the vehicle. Despite the efforts of a passenger and a trooper to administer life-saving measures, Dodson was pronounced dead upon arrival at Gothenburg Health Hospital. Thankfully, the passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.

Given the ongoing winter weather, the Nebraska State Patrol is urgently advising all motorists to exercise caution and reduce their speeds while traveling on the roads during these hazardous conditions. To stay up-to-date on road conditions throughout the state, drivers are encouraged to check 511.Nebraska.gov for the latest information.

As the investigation into these deadly crashes continues, the Nebraska State Patrol remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of all motorists on the state's roadways during challenging weather conditions.