Vernon Hays and Gabriel Johnson Obituary – Cause of Death: In Loving Memory of Vernon Hays and Gabriel Johnson

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of Vernon Hays, age 73, and his grandson, Gabriel Johnson, age 22, who left us together in a fatal vehicle vs. train collision early Thursday morning near Plattsmouth.

According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred shortly before 6:00 a.m. at the Union Pacific Railroad crossing just east of the intersection of 12th Street and Church Road, between Plattsmouth and Murray, Nebraska.

Authorities report that Vernon and Gabriel were traveling westbound in a Texas-plated Mazda SUV when their vehicle collided with a northbound Union Pacific train at the crossing. Both men were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Murray Fire and Rescue, Cass County Emergency Management, Union Pacific Railroad personnel, and the Cass County Attorney’s Office responded to the scene. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing by both the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Union Pacific Railroad.

Remembering Vernon Hays – 73 Years of Life, Love, and Legacy

Vernon Hays was more than his 73 years. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, and a friend. He was a man who had lived, who had worked hard, who had seen the world change and who held his family together through it all.

As a grandfather, Vernon embodied strength and tenderness. He was the man with the steady hand, the warm hug, the story from long ago, and the advice that always seemed to come at just the right time. He was a patriarch in the truest sense — a man whose love created a foundation for generations.

Remembering Gabriel Johnson – 22 Years of Promise and Light

Gabriel Johnson was only 22 years old, with his whole life stretching out before him. At an age filled with dreams, hope, and endless possibility, Gabriel was a young man who was loved deeply.

As a grandson, son, brother, and friend, Gabriel brought youthful energy, laughter, and light to everyone around him. He was the next generation — carrying forward the name, the values, and the love that his grandfather had helped to instill.

Together in Life, Together Forever

There are no words for the pain of losing a grandfather and grandson together. The distance of 51 years between them disappears when you understand the bond they shared — traveling together, side by side, on that early morning road.

They left this world the way they lived in it — together. And they will be remembered together — two souls, two generations, one family, one love that death cannot separate.

For The Family

To the family of Vernon and Gabriel — we cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow in losing two of your beloveds in one moment. Please know that the entire Cass County community, from Plattsmouth to Murray and beyond, is mourning with you.

The family will announce funeral services, visitation, and burial arrangements in the coming days.

In Loving Memory of Vernon Hays and Gabriel Johnson
May they rest in eternal peace, together.