Derek Klotz Obituary, Death News – The Lincoln Police Department has released the name of the teenager who died following a motorcycle crash in southwest Lincoln earlier this week. Authorities confirmed that the victim was 17-year-old Derek Klotz, a resident of Lincoln, who passed away several hours after the collision on Tuesday.
Emergency crews from both Lincoln Police and Lincoln Fire and Rescue were dispatched shortly before 2:45 p.m. to the intersection of Southwest 23rd Street and West South Street after receiving reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV. When first responders arrived, they found that a Yamaha motorcycle and a Buick Enclave had collided, leaving the teenage motorcyclist critically injured.
According to the department’s preliminary findings, the Buick—driven by a 69-year-old Lincoln woman—was traveling along Southwest 23rd Street and preparing to turn left onto West South Street. While waiting to complete her turn, the driver reported hearing the sound of a motorcycle approaching at a high rate of speed. She later told investigators that she saw a motorcycle headlight appear over the hill just as she began her turn.
Police said the woman immediately tried to stop the Buick upon noticing the motorcyclist. At the same time, Klotz, realizing the impending collision, attempted to avoid impact by laying the motorcycle down. Despite his effort to reduce speed and steer away, the teen slid more than 100 feet before striking the driver’s side door of the SUV. Investigators added that the motorcycle itself continued to slide, traveling nearly 400 feet before coming to rest along the roadway.
LPD confirmed that Klotz had been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, but early evidence suggests that speed played a contributing role in the severity of the incident. The teenager sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical intervention, he died later that evening.
The crash caused significant disruption in the area as investigators documented the scene, took measurements, and interviewed witnesses. Officials emphasized that the findings remain preliminary and that the investigation is far from complete. Additional analysis—including speed calculations, roadway conditions, and any potential mechanical factors—will help determine the full sequence of events that led to the collision.
As police continue to gather information, they are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant details to come forward. Those with information can contact the Lincoln Police Department’s non-emergency line at 402-441-6000. Individuals who prefer to remain anonymous can reach out through Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600, submit tips online at lincolncrimestoppers.com, or use the free P3 Tips app.
The death of the 17-year-old has left a deep impact on the community, especially among those who knew him. While authorities have not released further details about the teen’s background, they noted that crashes involving young drivers—particularly motorcyclists—serve as a somber reminder of how quickly serious incidents can occur on the road.
For now, the focus of the investigation is on confirming the exact factors that contributed to the crash and determining whether any additional findings will affect how the case proceeds. Police expect to release more information as the investigation continues.
