Rear-End Collision Occurs After Deer Cross Highway 275

One person was transported following a rear-end collision east of Clearwater after the driver stopped for deer crossing Highway 275.

The collision occurred about 9 a.m. Thursday when Jessica Barone, 29 of Royal, driving a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited.was struck from behind by a 2009 Dodge Nitro driven by Kray Funk, 26 of Ewing, according to Antelope County Sheriff Bob Moore.

"Barone stopped for a deer and two fawns crossing the road," Moore said. "Funk did not recognize that she had stopped and struck her vehicle in the rear, knocking her into the north ditch."

Barone was transported to Antelope Memorial Hospital by Clearwater Rescue, where she was admitted with unknown injuries. Funk was taken to AMH Family Clinic by his parent. 

Moore said seat belts were in use by both drivers, and Funk's air bag deployed.

Clearwater Fire and Rescue, Nebraska State Patrol, Antelope County Sheriff's Department, and Neligh Police responded to the scene of the accident.

The accident remains under investigation by the Antelope County Sheriff's Department with assistance from the Neligh Police Department and Nebraska State Patrol. Moore said no one was cited at the accident.

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