The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident from the weekend.
At about 5 a.m. Saturday, the driver of a gray Hyundai SUV was driving west in the area of 400 S. Ridge Road, south of Fremont, when they lost control of the vehicle crashing into a wooden fence. Dodge County deputies arrived on scene and located a male passenger with significant injuries. The passenger, Ryan Littrell, 18, of Fremont succumbed to his injuries at Methodist Fremont Health.
The initial investigation determined that Doltyn Garule, 18, of Fremont was driving from a lake community when he lost control of the vehicle crashing into a wooden fence. After the crash, the driver left the scene, but was later located by deputies. Garule was placed under arrest for motor vehicle homicide, driving under the influence, minor in possession of alcohol, failure to stop and render aid, obstruction, tampering with physical evidence, and willful reckless driving.
Alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the crash. Authorities said the air bags did not deploy.
Littrell was a Fremont Learning Center senior.
“This is a tragic loss for our community and school district,” Fremont Public Schools Superintendent Mark Shepard said in a press release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Ryan.”
Shepard said the district crisis team will be available during school hours today and Tuesday (Sept. 12) at the Fremont Learning Center and Fremont High.
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the crash by the Nebraska State Patrol, Fremont Fire Department, Fremont Rural Fire and Saunders County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.
