Accident prompts CCSO to remind motorists of country road safety

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, at approximately 8:05 a.m., the Chase County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle injury accident at the intersection of 742 Road and 312 Avenue, west of Lamar, Nebraska. The initial report indicated that one driver was out of their vehicle, while the other driver was trapped inside their vehicle.
Personnel from the Imperial EMS, Imperial Fire Department, and a Chase County Sheriff’s Deputy were dispatched to the scene.
The drivers involved in the accident were identified as Chad M. Osborne, 54, of Amherst, Colorado, who was driving a 2025 GMC Sierra pickup pulling a single-axle trailer carrying a Honda UTV, and Stuart W. Leadabrand, 40, of Ogallala, Nebraska, who was driving a 2003 Honda Civic.
The 2025 GMC Sierra, driven by Osborne, was traveling westbound on 742 Road, while the 2003 Honda Civic, driven by Leadabrand, was traveling northbound on 312 Avenue. The intersection of 742 Road and 312 Avenue is controlled by yield signs for traffic traveling on 312 Avenue.
The investigation determined that Leadabrand failed to yield at the intersection and collided with the 2025 GMC Sierra. Upon impact, the GMC Sierra rolled over and came to rest in the ditch on the northwest side of the intersection. The Honda Civic remained upright on the roadway and came to rest near the pickup.
Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were determined to be a total loss.
Osborne was able to exit his vehicle on his own. He declined medical transport by ambulance to Chase County Community Hospital but was later transported by private vehicle to a hospital in Holyoke, Colorado.
Leadabrand was trapped inside the Honda Civic and had to be extricated by personnel from the Imperial Fire Department and Imperial EMS. He was transported by ambulance to Chase County Community Hospital and was later airlifted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, due to the extent of his injuries.
The Chase County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists that the speed limit on Nebraska county roads is 50 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Many intersections throughout Chase County are located near agricultural fields, and tall corn can significantly limit a driver’s visibility of approaching traffic.
Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when approaching rural intersections, reduce their speed when conditions warrant, and obey all posted stop and yield signs. Taking the extra time to ensure an intersection is clear can help prevent serious crashes and injuries.