Latest news with #AnchoringHopeforMentalHealth
Sky News AU
12-05-2025
- Sky News AU
Nebraska dad fatally stabs wife, two kids and himself in apparent murder-suicide hours before son's high school graduation
A Nebraska father stabbed his entire family to death and then turned the knife on himself the same day as his oldest son's high school graduation, authorities said – and just three days after he was released from a mental health hospital. Jeremy Koch, 42, killed his 41-year-old wife, Bailey, and sons Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, in a sickening stabbing spree Saturday before taking his own life in a rural part of Dawson County, according to the Nebraska State Patrol. The gruesome scene of the apparent murder-suicide was discovered by Bailey's parents around 9:45 a.m. All four family members suffered from fatal knife wounds, police said. 'I found our two grandsons, Hudson 18, and Asher 16, and our daughter Bailey, and our son-in-law Jeremy, dead laying in their beds,' Lane and Peggy Kugler, the father and mother of Bailey and grandparents of the two boys, said in a Facebook post, according to News Channel Nebraska. 'What I saw will haunt me the rest of my life.' The tragedy comes amid Jeremy's longtime struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, which was chronicled by Bailey, a teacher, on a dedicated Facebook page. She wrote on the 'Anchoring Hope for Mental Health' page Wednesday that Jeremy had wrapped up a five-day stint receiving mental health care at a hospital with a photo of the couple smiling in a car. 'What a difference five days, some hydration and nutrition, med adjustments, therapies, and a safety plan can make!!!' Bailey Koch eerily wrote. 'Thank you for praying and for your unwavering support as I take Hottie Hubby HOME in time for our son's high school graduation! We still need lots of prayers as we try and carry on with life and find our new 'normal.'' Still, in the days leading up to the suspected murder-suicide, the father of two continued to struggle, according to his wife's recent social media posts. Hudson was set to receive his diploma at Cozad High School's graduation — which went on without the teen Saturday afternoon, just hours after the horrific slaughter. 'Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community,' the school district wrote. 'Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time.' Bailey Koch was remembered as a 'passionate educator, caring colleague and bright presence in the school community,' by Holdrege Public Schools, where she worked, according to NTV. Jeremy and Bailey were high school sweethearts and together for at least 25 years, according to the Facebook page. In a since-deleted GoFundMe page, Bailey said her husband this month had survived numerous suicide attempts that included a car crash that nearly killed him. 'When he awoke,' she wrote, according to News Channel Nebraska, 'he was destroyed his attempt hadn't worked.' If you or anyone you know needs help: Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Originally published as Nebraska dad fatally stabs wife, two kids and himself in apparent murder-suicide hours before son's high school graduation
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nebraska family of 4 killed in apparent murder-suicide, police say
A Nebraska family is calling for more accessible mental health care after a husband, wife and their two teenage children were found dead inside their home Saturday morning from what authorities say is an apparent murder-suicide. They were identified as Bailey Koch, 41; her husband, Jeremy Koch, 42; and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16. After a preliminary investigation, authorities said they believe Jeremy Koch killed his family before taking his own life, Nebraska State Patrol said in a news release. All four had fatal stab wounds, and a knife was found at the scene, police said. Lane and Peggy Kugler, the parents of Bailey, said Jeremy had struggled with his mental health for years and that his wife was trying to get him help. "Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy that committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind," the Kuglers wrote on their joint Facebook page. "Bailey, Jeremy and the boy's faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together and Jeremy's sickness is gone," the post said. The couple said Bailey and her children "lived in fear of the possibility of losing her husband and their father to mental illness for many years." Bailey tried repeatedly to get him help and documented the journey on the Facebook page "Anchoring Hope for Mental Health." Days before the deaths, Jeremy had been released from a mental health hospital, Bailey wrote in a post on Thursday. She made another post later that day, saying her husband was struggling. In a post on Friday, a day before the deaths, Bailey shared that they had signed paperwork so Jeremy could begin mental health treatment. "We feel heard, seen, and supported. We feel confident TMS in Kearney at Serene Mental Health is where we are being led," she wrote, sharing photos from the facility. The Kuglers wrote that the mental health care industry tries to "so hard to help people," but overall, the "country's mental health care is a disaster." "Our daughter and her family were killed by a diseased mind with a knife," they wrote. "Far too many diseased minds have nowhere to go. Yes, there is some help that can be tapped but, not near enough. ...This country is in crisis because there is far, far too little help available to tackle the mental illness crisis." The deaths occurred hours before the oldest son's high school graduation. "Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time," Cozad Community Schools said in a Facebook post Saturday afternoon. "We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity." Nebraska State Patrol said the investigation into the deaths is ongoing. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or visit This article was originally published on
NBC News
12-05-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Nebraska family of 4 killed in apparent murder-suicide, police say
A Nebraska family is calling for more accessible mental health care after a husband, wife and their two teenage children were found dead inside their home Saturday morning from what authorities say is an apparent murder-suicide. They were identified as Bailey Koch, 41; her husband, Jeremy Koch, 42; and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16. After a preliminary investigation, authorities said they believe Jeremy Koch killed his family before taking his own life, Nebraska State Patrol said in a news release. All four had fatal stab wounds, and a knife was found at the scene, police said. Lane and Peggy Kugler, the parents of Bailey, said Jeremy had struggled with his mental health for years and that his wife was trying to get him help. "Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy that committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind," the Kuglers wrote on their joint Facebook page. "Bailey, Jeremy and the boy's faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together and Jeremy's sickness is gone," the post said. The couple said Bailey and her children "lived in fear of the possibility of losing her husband and their father to mental illness for many years." Bailey tried repeatedly to get him help and documented the journey on the Facebook page " Anchoring Hope for Mental Health." Days before the deaths, Jeremy had been released from a mental health hospital, Bailey wrote in a post on Thursday. She made another post later that day, saying her husband was struggling. In a post on Friday, a day before the deaths, Bailey shared that they had signed paperwork so Jeremy could begin mental health treatment. "We feel heard, seen, and supported. We feel confident TMS in Kearney at Serene Mental Health is where we are being led," she wrote, sharing photos from the facility. The Kuglers wrote that the mental health care industry tries to "so hard to help people," but overall, the "country's mental health care is a disaster." "Our daughter and her family were killed by a diseased mind with a knife," they wrote. "Far too many diseased minds have nowhere to go. Yes, there is some help that can be tapped but, not near enough. ...This country is in crisis because there is far, far too little help available to tackle the mental illness crisis." The deaths occurred hours before the oldest son's high school graduation. "Cozad Schools was made aware of a tragic situation that will deeply affect our Cozad community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted during this incredibly difficult time," Cozad Community Schools said in a Facebook post Saturday afternoon. "We appreciate the strength and support of our community as we come together in care, compassion and unity." Nebraska State Patrol said the investigation into the deaths is ongoing.
Irish Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dad stabs wife, 2 kids, to death before turning knife on himself
In a heartbreaking incident, a father named Jeremy Koch, age 42, brutally murdered his family by stabbing them to death before killing himself. The tragedy unfolded mere hours before his eldest son was set to celebrate his graduation. The devastating scene took place in Nebraska where police found the bodies of Koch, his wife Bailey, 41, and their sons Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, at their Johnson Lake home, all bearing fatal stab wounds. Authorities responded to a call at the rural residence, located roughly 275 kilometres west of Lincoln, and discovered the grizzly aftermath. According to reports, Jeremy Koch had been released from a mental health hospital just days earlier. The Nebraska State Patrol is digging into the case to understand the sequence of events leading up to this horrific situation detailed in a statement saying they believed Koch "killed each of his his taking his own life." Adding to the story, Bailey Koch's parents, Lane and Peggy Kugler, expressed their grief over the loss of their daughter and grandchildren in a moving Facebook tribute, also discussing Jeremy Koch's long battle with mental illness. They stated: "Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy that committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind. "Bailey, Jeremy and the boy's faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together and Jeremy's sickness is gone," reports the Mirror. "Bailey fought so hard to help him and she and her sons lived in fear of the possibility of losing her husband and their father to mental illness for many years. They never knew when he would be in a manic state (super high) or horribly depressed (super low), unable to function normally. "Bailey fought so hard to bring attention to those who needed help. She was a huge advocate for mental health. She spent countless hours on their Facebook page, Anchoring Hope for Mental Health: Jeremy and Bailey Koch. If you go to that page, you can read about how so many people thanked her for her open and honest writing about mental health." The couple continued: "Bailey and Jeremy spent years and years seeking help and answers to Jeremy's condition. Doctor after doctor, hospital after hospital, medication after medication, therapy after therapy. Treatment after treatment." The individual expressed their gratitude towards mental health professionals, stating: "What we have learned through all of this is that every single person in the mental health care industry try so hard to help people. Every single one of them genuinely cares for those that need help. From those at the front desk, to the doctors that prescribe treatment, to the nurses that carry out doctor's orders, to the custodians that keep things clean and useful." They then strongly criticised the state of mental health in the US, describing it as "a catastrophe" and "getting worse." According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2022, approximately 15.4 million adults aged 18 or older in the US suffered from serious mental illness. In a separate incident, Nebraska reported 73 homicides across the state in 2022, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A sombre mood hung over Cozad High School's graduation ceremony on Saturday afternoon, which took place just hours after the tragic event. The school district released a statement on Sunday, saying: "In light of yesterday's tragedy, we understand that some students may be experiencing some difficulties. The high school commons will be open for students this afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. We will have school staff and counsellors available for support. We will also have support available for students and staff when school resumes on Monday. "The investigation remains ongoing," said the NSP. "The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, Eustis Fire and Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who will be affected by this incident."
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Dad stabs wife and two kids to death hours before son's graduation
Jeremy Koch, 42, killed his wife Bailey, 41, and sons Hudson and Asher, aged 18 and 16. A dad stabbed his entire family to death then turned the knife on himself just hours before his son was due to celebrate his High School graduation. Jeremy Koch, 42, killed his wife Bailey, 41, and sons Hudson and Asher, aged 18 and 16. He then turned the blade on himself on Saturday, after he was released from a mental hospital and just hours before son's graduation. His partner's family have blamed his "sick mind" for the crime. Police with the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, in Nebraska, were dispatched to the home in rural Johnson Lake and found four bodies inside the property. All members of the family were found with stab wounds, according to police. The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) said in a statement that it is believed Koch "killed each of his his taking his own life." A knife was found at the scene. Police said a homicide investigation is being carried out to learn the circumstances of the events leading up to the killing. Lane and Peggy Kugler, the dad and mother of Bailey and the grandparents of the two children shared a heartfelt Facebook tribute to their daughter. They added: "Jeremy had been fighting mental illness for many, many years. His depression had turned into psychosis. It was not Jeremy that committed this horrific act. It was a sick mind. "Bailey, Jeremy and the boy's faith was very strong. It really helped them through the worst of times. We find strength in our belief that heaven now has four new angels sitting at the right hand of God. They are together and Jeremy's sickness is gone. "Bailey fought so hard to help him and she and her sons lived in fear of the possibility of losing her husband and their father to mental illness for many years. 'They never knew when he would be in a manic state (super high) or horribly depressed (super low), unable to function normally. "Bailey fought so hard to bring attention to those who needed help. 'She was a huge advocate for mental health. She spent countless hours on their Facebook page, Anchoring Hope for Mental Health: Jeremy & Bailey Koch. 'If you go to that page, you can read about how so many people thanked her for her open and honest writing about mental health." The couple continued: "Bailey and Jeremy spent years and years seeking help and answers to Jeremy's condition. Doctor after doctor, hospital after hospital, medication after medication, therapy after therapy. Treatment after treatment. "What we have learned through all of this is that every single person in the mental health care industry try so hard to help people. Every single one of them genuinely cares for those that need help. From those at the front desk, to the doctors that prescribe treatment, to the nurses that carry out doctor's orders, to the custodians that keep things clean and useful." They then railed against the state of mental health in the US, branding it "a catastrophe" and "getting worse." According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2022 there were an estimated 15.4 million adults aged 18 or older in the US with serious mental illness. Hudson had been due to graduate from Cozad High School. A statement shared by the school district on Sunday said: "In light of yesterday's tragedy, we understand that some students may be experiencing some difficulties. The high school commons will be open for students this afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. We will have school staff and counsellors available for support. We will also have support available for students and staff when school resumes on Monday." "The investigation remains ongoing," NSP added. "The Nebraska State Patrol, the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, Eustis Fire & Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney extend condolences to all, across multiple communities, who will be affected by this incident."
