Investigators: Former employee opens fire in Nebraska grain elevator; 3 dead including suspect

SUPERIOR, Neb. (KSNB/Gray News) - A former employee of a grain elevator facility allegedly returned after being fired and shot three people, killing two and injuring another, before being shot himself, officials said.

Law enforcement agencies responded to an active shooter incident at the Agrex Elevator in Superior, Nebraska, at about 2 p.m. Thursday, according to KSNB.

Upon arrival, investigators located one dead individual and multiple other victims. The suspected shooter also was injured. There were no outstanding suspects at the time investigators arrived on scene, they said.

Officials identified the shooting suspect as 61-year-old Max Hoskinson. It was reported his employment with Agrex had been terminated earlier in the day.

He then reportedly returned to Agrex with a handgun and opened fire, striking three individuals. An employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and returned fire, striking Hoskinson, according to investigators.

Officials said 60-year-old Sandra Nelson of Formoso, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene. Darin Koepke, 53, of Hadar, Nebraska, was flown to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln but later died.

The third victim was treated and released from the hospital in Superior.

Hoskinson was transported to the hospital in Superior, where he was declared dead.

The Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office, Superior Police Department and Nuckolls County Attorney’s Office, is investigating the incident.

Agrex, Inc. posted a statement on its website Friday morning:

“On Thursday, October 21, there was a violent incident at an Agrex facility in Superior, Nebraska. Our thoughts and prayers are with our coworkers and their families affected by this incident. At this time, the incident is being investigated and therefore we are not able to offer any further comments.”

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