By Mark Overman
Scott’s Bluff County Sheriff
Richard Krul, age 75 of rural Scottsbluff, passed away at a Denver hospital on December 5, 2025, due to injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident that occurred on December 4th, 2025 in rural Scotts Bluff County.
The accident was reported at 4:36 p.m. on December 4th, 2025. Investigation revealed that Richard Krul was on a UTV side by side and appeared to be checking his mail, parked on the north side of Lake Minatare Road near the intersection of County Road 24, facing east. Mr. Krul turned right to cross Lake Minatare Road, directly into the path of an eastbound pickup driven by Aaron Teppert, age 39, of rural Scottsbluff. The vehicles collided and both came to rest in the ditch on the south side of Lake Minatare Road. The pickup was on its top with the driver inside, while Mr. Krul was ejected and his UTV was upright. Multiple witnesses saw the accident happen and immediately stopped to render aid. Both men were transported to Regional West Medical Center by Regional West ambulance.
Witnesses directly behind the Teppert vehicle stated that he was traveling at the speed limit and had no time to react when the UTV crossed the highway directly in front of him.
The Nebraska State Patrol, Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department, and Minatare Fire Department Rescue Unit also assisted at the scene.