LANCASTER COUNTY, NE — A quiet Wednesday afternoon turned tragic when a two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of a beloved Firth couple along Highway 77. The fatal collision occurred around 4:07 p.m. on November 12, 2025, near Firth Road, roughly two miles north of Cortland, Nebraska.

According to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office (LSO), the crash involved a 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by 63-year-old Patrick Holley with his wife, 63-year-old Penny Holley, as a passenger. Investigators believe the Holleys’ vehicle was traveling westbound on Firth Road and entered the intersection at Highway 77, where it collided with a northbound 1993 Ford F-250 pickup driven by 43-year-old Joseph Grant of Lincoln.

The force of the impact pushed the Holleys’ car into a nearby ditch, while the pickup came to rest in the highway median. Emergency responders from several departments—including Hallam Fire & Rescue, Firth Fire & Rescue, Cortland Fire & Rescue, Lincoln Fire & Rescue, and StarCare Air Ambulance—rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, Patrick Holley was pronounced dead at the scene, and Penny Holley later died at the hospital from her injuries.

Joseph Grant was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities confirmed that no other passengers or vehicles were involved.

Deputies closed the intersection for several hours to allow investigators to carefully document the scene. Early findings suggest that alcohol and drugs were not contributing factors, though investigators are still determining whether seat belts were in use at the time of the crash.

Captain John A. Vik of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep condolences to the Holley family, describing the tragedy as “a devastating loss for the Firth community.” He added, “Patrick and Penny were longtime residents, and their passing will be felt deeply by all who knew them.”

The Sheriff’s Office extended gratitude to all first responders and agencies who assisted, as well as to nearby residents for their patience during the investigation.

As the community mourns, friends and neighbors remember Patrick and Penny as kind, caring people who loved small-town life and each other deeply. Their sudden passing serves as a somber reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, even on familiar roads.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash, reviewing evidence and vehicle data to determine what led to the collision.