The wife of a Nebraska man, who is suspected of killing his family, sought mental health support for her husband just days before she and their two sons were murdered.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Jeremy Koch, aged 42, allegedly stabbed his wife, Bailey, 41, and their sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16, to death before committing suicide at their home in Dawson County, as reported by FOX News.
In the days leading up to the tragic event, Bailey Koch had initiated a GoFundMe campaign titled “Jeremy’s Battle: Mental Health Support Needed,” where she openly shared the family’s ongoing challenges with Jeremy’s depression.
Bailey disclosed that Jeremy was diagnosed with severe depression in 2009 and had survived several suicide attempts, including a nearly fatal car crash.
“When he awoke,” she wrote, “he was shattered that his attempt hadn’t worked.”
Bailey noted that they lived “in the dark,” hiding their difficulties while trying to maintain a stable life running a landscaping business in their small town. She worked as a teacher while Jeremy managed the business—until last year.
By July 2024, Jeremy’s condition significantly worsened. He struggled to get out of bed, stopped working regularly, and the family’s income declined. They withdrew from retirement accounts to cover debt.
In her last update on May 8, Bailey reported that Jeremy had been discharged from inpatient care and was home in time for Hudson’s high school graduation, set for Saturday.
However, by the next morning, Jeremy had already started to spiral once more after beginning a new medication.
News Channel Nebraska reports that Bailey’s school district, Holdrege Public Schools, where she worked as a special education teacher, released a statement Saturday expressing their sadness.
“Our Holdrege school community is mourning after a tragic event that has profoundly affected us all. Our hearts are with those impacted.”
Cozad Community Schools also opened its doors for students and staff, as Hudson was preparing to graduate and Asher was a freshman on the golf team.
If you are a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
[Feature Photo: Koch Family/Facebook]
