MADISON, Neb. — A 61-year-old man from Norfolk tragically lost his life Wednesday morning after a crash involving a pickup truck and construction equipment on Highway 81 near Madison. Authorities have identified the victim as Marcel Sudbeck, who was operating a backhoe at the time of the accident.
The crash occurred just before 9 a.m., around 8:50 a.m., at the intersection of Highway 81 and 833rd Road, located northeast of Madison. A Nebraska state trooper was in the area and arrived at the scene shortly after the crash took place. According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Sudbeck was traveling west on 833rd Road and attempting to cross the highway when he was struck by a northbound Chevrolet Silverado.
The pickup, driven by 28-year-old Matt Cross, collided with the passenger side of the backhoe as it crossed into the Silverado’s path. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, including personnel from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Fire and Rescue, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Sadly, Sudbeck was pronounced dead at the scene. Cross was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Authorities reported that foggy conditions were present in the area at the time of the crash, leading to low visibility for drivers. While the official cause of the accident is still under investigation, weather is being considered a possible factor. Rural intersections without traffic signals, such as this one, can become especially dangerous when visibility is poor or when heavy equipment enters high-speed traffic zones.
Sudbeck was reportedly performing routine work duties when the crash occurred, though officials have not confirmed if he was working for a public agency or a private company. Friends and family have begun expressing grief and condolences, remembering him as a hardworking and kind individual. His sudden loss has shaken both the Norfolk and Madison communities, where he was well known and respected.
As the Nebraska State Patrol continues to investigate, they are asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward. In the meantime, the community is left to mourn a life lost too soon, and the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved when construction equipment and highway traffic intersect—especially in poor weather conditions.