Church Van Trip Ends in Deadly Crash
One person was killed and others were injured when a church van collided with another vehicle on Nebraska county highway, according to reports.
“The driver of our van—which was pulling a trailer with luggage and musical instruments—was making a U-turn on a county highway after missing a turn due to construction in the area and was broadsided by a driver headed in the opposite direction,” NET Ministries Founder and President Mark Berchem posted on Facebook. Tragically, that driver was killed and his passenger was seriously injured. One of the 12 members of our NET team was taken to a nearby hospital with critical, but non-life-threatening injuries.”
According to their website, NET Ministries challenges young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. Since 1981, NET teams have led over 29,000 retreats and ministered to more than 1.7 million young Catholics.
NET Ministries’ post says their team was headed back to their headquarters in Minnesota when crash occurred. The 12 team members were comprised of college-aged people from around the country.
1011Now reports the van was driven by a 22-year-old female from Louisiana. The crash killed 88-year-old Walter Anderson, and his female passenger, Peggy Shapnek, is in critical condition.
“Our hearts are saddened by this tragedy and we are praying for all who were involved. We are working with the Saunders County Sheriff to find out more information on what happened. We are particularly grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support sent to us by so many from the broader NET community,” Berchem writes.
“We are extremely grateful for the quick and professional response of the local first responders and medical staff, and for the host homes in the area who are caring for our team members. Please join us in continuing to pray for peace and comfort for the family and friends of the gentleman who tragically died, and healing for those who were injured,” he concludes.
