A Cozad man apparently killed his sons and wife and then took his own life at a home in Plum Creek Canyon on Saturday morning, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

NSP spokesman Cody Thomas said it was an apparent murder-suicide.

Thomas said the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched 9:45 a.m. to a residence on the shore of the lake at Plum Creek Canyon #1. That lake is about three miles west of Johnson Lake.

Upon arrival, deputies found four deceased residents of the home, Thomas said. They have been identified as Jeremy, Bailey, Hudson, and Asher Koch.

Following preliminary investigation, it is believed that Jeremy, 42, killed each of his sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, and his wife, Bailey, 41, before taking his own life. All four were found with fatal knife wounds and a knife was found at the scene.

The Dawson County sheriff’s office was assisted by Eustis Fire & Rescue, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Dawson County attorney in the response.

NSP is the lead agency in the homicide investigation. The Dawson County attorney has ordered autopsies of all four.

Hudson Koch was scheduled to graduate from Cozad High Saturday afternoon. The tragic loss was acknowledged at the ceremonies with heartfelt support for those affected.

Bailey was a tireless mental health advocate who wrote about real-life situations for the website, “Her View from Home,” an inspiration and support site for parenting, marriage, relationships, grief and faith.

Her husband Jeremy survived multiple suicide attempts over the years and they were not afraid to talk about it. Mental health and advocacy became Bailey’s public purpose. She never let silence win, the website says.

“Bailey would be the first to tell you her story is not an easy one to hear. But the world needs it,” the latest post on the “Her view…” website says. To read more, click here.

Thomas said all the agencies involved in the response and investigation “extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who are and will be affected by this incident.”

The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County sheriff’s office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County attorney responded to the scene.

Region II Human Services, a mental health care provider with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, assured people on Monday that support is readily available to all who may be struggling.

The sudden loss of life can leave many feeling overwhelmed with grief, anxiety, confusion, or a sense of helplessness, Region II Administrator Katie McCarthy said.

Region II Human Services, through Heartland Counseling in Lexington, North Platte, McCook and Ogallala, provides a wide range of mental health services.

Community members seeking support are encouraged to contact any of the Heartland Counseling Clinics at 308-534-6029 or visit www.r2hs.com. Crisis services are available through the 24 hour Region II Crisis Line at 308-390-4645 or 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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