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Neb. widower files wrongful-death lawsuit in crash

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By The Associated Press

Saturday, Nov 22, 2008 - 06:47:01 pm CST

GRAND ISLAND — A Palmer widower has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the man who drove the tractor involved in the crash that killed his wife.

Donald McClellan filed the lawsuit Friday in Hall County District Court.

In it, he says James Ostermeier was negligent in the April 23 crash because he was intoxicated and failed to turn on the tractor’s lights and warning devices. He’s seeking unspecified damages.

McClellan’s 82-year-old wife, Delores, was killed when their car collided with the back of the tractor, which was hauling a corn planter. McClellan was injured.

Earlier this month, Ostermeier pleaded no contest to felony manslaughter. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15.


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CS wrote on November 22, 2008 9:03 pm:
" All respect to Mr. McClellan, but how does one miss a full size tractor and with a corn planter attached? In NE? During planting season? "

Easy wrote on November 22, 2008 11:20 pm:
" it was after dark. On a 65 MPH highway. No lights on the tractor. By the time your headlights illuminated it, it would be too late to stop. "