Authorities in Nebraska are investigating a heartbreaking murder-suicide involving a family from the South Central region of the state. On May 10, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at the Koch family’s home near Johnson Lake, located about 70 miles west of Lincoln. The victims include 42-year-old Jeremy Koch, his 41-year-old wife Bailey Koch, and their two teenage sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16. According to the Nebraska State Patrol, the family was found dead in their home around 9:45 a.m. that Saturday. The investigation suggests that Jeremy Koch fatally stabbed his wife and sons before taking his own life. A knife was found at the scene, and autopsy results are still pending.
The Koch family was known in their community for their dedication to raising awareness about mental health struggles. Jeremy and Bailey Koch had documented their personal battles with mental illness on a social media page, “Anchoring Hope for Mental Health: Jeremy & Bailey Koch,” which had gained over 23,000 followers by May 12. The page detailed their ongoing efforts to fight suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges. In recent posts, Jeremy had sought treatment for his mental health, while Bailey had been actively seeking insurance approval for further treatment. Tragically, just one day before the murder-suicide, Bailey posted a plea for prayer, asking for approval of treatments for her husband.
Bailey Koch was a special education teacher at Holdrege Public Schools, and her colleagues, along with the wider community, have expressed deep sorrow over her death. The school’s district shared a statement on Facebook, extending condolences and emphasizing the impact of the tragedy. The loss has also resonated within the community of Cozad, where the Koch sons were students. Hudson was scheduled to graduate the following day, but the event was overshadowed by grief as the senior class mourned the loss of their peers.
The tragedy has also sparked conversations about the struggles many face with mental illness. Bailey’s father, Lane Kugler, who discovered the family’s bodies, posted on Facebook, expressing his anger and frustration with the lack of mental health support. He described how the family had lived in constant fear of Jeremy’s unpredictable mental health states, from manic highs to debilitating depressive lows. He called for greater awareness of the mental health crisis, urging people to understand that no one should face such struggles alone.
The murder-suicide has deeply shaken the community and highlights the critical need for better mental health care and support. Local residents and loved ones remember the Koch family as kind-hearted people who touched many lives, and their tragic end serves as a reminder of the silent battles many face with mental illness.