Jan 15, 2026

NSP Investigating Death at Red Willow County Jail

Posted Jan 15, 2026 6:23 PM

By Nebraska State Patrol

New headquarters of the Nebraska State Patrol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)
New headquarters of the Nebraska State Patrol. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.    —   The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an in-custody death that occurred at the Red Willow County Jail.

Wednesday, Red Willow County Jail staff discovered that an inmate was unresponsive and not breathing in his cell. Staff attempted life-saving measures and emergency medical services responded, however, the inmate, identified as Blaine Frerichs, 22-years-old, of Bartley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Red Willow County Attorney’s Office has requested the Nebraska State Patrol conduct the in-custody death investigation. The cause of death has not been determined. The investigation remains ongoing.