The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a deadly crash that happened around 6:40 Thursday morning on westbound I-80 near Ashland.
Troopers believe the crash happened near mile marker 423 when a westbound semi-truck/tanker trailer attempted to pass a motorcycle. The semi made contact with another westbound semi, pushing that semi into the left lane where it collided with a van.
The first semi then over-corrected and struck the motorcycle and rider. The rider, 54 year old Patrick Cunningham of South Bend, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The crash remains under investigation. Interstate 80 was closed in the area for westbound traffic for approximately six hours.