Accident South Of Oakdale Claims The Life Of A Toddler

An accident south of Oakdale on Wednesday morning has claimed the life of a toddler. 

The three-year-old son of Katy Griffith and Justin Paulsen died on Thursday at University of Nebraska Medical Center, according to Antelope County Sheriff Bob Moore. The entire Paulsen family, including three young children, was involved in the accident. 

Moore said five people were transported from the two-vehicle accident just south of the Oakdale Cemetery on 527th Ave., including the toddler and his father. Paulsen, who was the driver, remains hospitalized at UNMC with severe pelvic injuries, according to family members.

According to Moore, Paulsen was northbound and struck a southbound sanitation truck driven by Lonnie L. Kleensang of Norfolk. Kleensang was the only occupant of the Waste Connections sanitation truck and was taken to Faith Regional Hospital by his boss following the accident, Moore said.

All of the occupants in Paulsen's 1992 Grand Prix were taken to AMH from the scene, including Katy Griffith, the mother, and their three children. Griffith was treated and released Wednesday night.

Moore said ice and snowy conditions were a contributing factor in the accident, which remains under investigation. Moore has not released any other details regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to assist the family with medical expenses. There has been an account set up at the Pinnacle Bank in Neligh and The Village of Oakdale and the Stix Bar are taking donations as well.

The family would like to reach out and thank the first responders and emergency personnel. Responding to the scene were the Oakdale Fire Department, Neligh-Oakdale Jaws of Life, Antelope County Sheriff's Department, Neligh Fire Department, Neligh Rescue, Midwest Medical Transport and Neligh Police Department.