Tragic Two-Vehicle Collision in Cedar County Claims Life of Philip Durham, 72
COLERIDGE, NEBRASKA — The quiet farming community of Coleridge is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking loss of Philip Durham, a 72-year-old lifelong resident, who passed away after a serious two-vehicle collision on Wednesday evening, November 5, 2025, near the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 57 in Cedar County.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), the crash occurred shortly after 6:40 p.m., when Durham’s vehicle, a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, was traveling southbound on Highway 57 and attempted to cross Highway 20. At that moment, a westbound 2020 Ford F-150, driven by Michael R. Jensen, 45, of Laurel, struck the driver’s side of Durham’s truck. The force of the impact sent both vehicles spinning off the roadway, with Durham’s truck coming to rest in a nearby ditch.
Emergency crews from the Hartington Fire and Rescue, Laurel Rescue, and Cedar County Sheriff’s Office responded within minutes. Paramedics found Durham unresponsive inside his vehicle. Despite immediate medical assistance and life-saving efforts at the scene, he was pronounced deceased upon arrival at Providence Medical Center in Wayne. Authorities confirmed that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
The driver of the second vehicle, Michael Jensen, sustained moderate injuries and was treated at the same hospital. He was later released and is cooperating fully with investigators. Initial findings indicate that weather and visibility were clear at the time of the collision. The NSP Crash Reconstruction Team continues to analyze evidence, including vehicle data, skid marks, and witness accounts, to determine the exact cause of the tragic event.
Philip Durham’s passing has sent shockwaves through Cedar County, where he was known as a humble, hardworking man who had spent most of his life serving his community. A retired farmer and former mechanic, Philip was deeply respected for his reliability, kindness, and willingness to help neighbors in need. Friends describe him as a man who “could fix just about anything” and who never hesitated to lend a hand during harvest season or community projects.
Born and raised in Coleridge, Philip attended Coleridge High School, graduating in 1971. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn (Clark) Durham, in 1974, and together they raised three children: Brian, Laura, and Amanda. Family was the center of Philip’s life — from morning coffee with Marilyn on their porch to Sunday dinners surrounded by grandchildren. His seven grandchildren adored his storytelling, his laughter, and his famous apple pies.
In addition to farming, Philip was an active member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Coleridge, where he volunteered at community dinners and served on the church council. He also participated in the local Volunteer Fire Department during his younger years and supported several agricultural organizations throughout Cedar County.
As word of his passing spread, condolences began pouring in from across the region. Friends, fellow farmers, and former coworkers expressed their sorrow online and in local gatherings. “Phil was one of the good ones,” one neighbor shared. “He had a quiet strength about him — dependable, fair, and full of heart. Coleridge won’t be the same without him.”
The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that alcohol and speeding are not suspected factors in the crash, though the full report will be released once reconstruction specialists complete their findings. The intersection of Highway 20 and 57 has long been considered a dangerous crossing, and local officials are now reviewing whether additional signage or lighting might improve safety in the area.
Funeral services for Philip Durham are expected to be held early next week at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at the Coleridge City Cemetery. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Coleridge Volunteer Fire Department or St. Michael’s Community Fund, honoring Philip’s lifelong dedication to service and community.
For a town as close-knit as Coleridge, this loss is deeply felt. Philip Durham’s life — defined by family, faith, and the land he loved — leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.