By Crash News Writer 
Omaha, NE (October 5, 2026) – A 70-year-old man died after a pickup truck reportedly ran a red light and struck his car in Douglas County on Sunday afternoon. The collision occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on October 4 at Ida Street and Irvington Road.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Christopher Szalkowski, 70, was driving a blue Porsche 911 south on Irvington Road when a westbound black GMC Sierra allegedly failed to stop for a red light and struck his vehicle.
Bennington Fire paramedics transported Szalkowski to the Nebraska Medical Center Emergency Room with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The GMC driver, identified as 32-year-old Jose Ortega-Romero, was booked into the Douglas County Department of Corrections on charges of disobeying a stop light, no operator’s license, and misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide. The crash remains under investigation.
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Fatal intersection crashes can leave families with questions about how the collision occurred and whether legal action may be available. Evidence such as traffic signal data, surveillance footage, witness statements, vehicle damage, and information collected by investigators may help establish the events leading up to a crash.
Families may also need a copy of the official car accident report and other records connected to the investigation. Understanding car accident laws in Nebraska can help families learn about their rights and the legal options that may be available after a deadly collision.
Searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Omaha may provide early information about a collision, but initial news reports may not contain all the evidence gathered by investigators. A completed car accident report can provide additional information about the vehicles, drivers, and circumstances surrounding a crash.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on initial reports from authorities and may be updated as the investigation continues. Readers can learn more about accident claims through our frequently asked questions in Nebraska.
- Christopher Szalkowski, 70, was identified as the person who died following the collision.
- Authorities identified the GMC driver as Jose Ortega-Romero, 32.
- Ortega-Romero was booked on charges including misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide, disobeying a stop light, and no operator’s license. Charges are allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
- Families affected by serious or fatal collisions can review our accident resources in Nebraska for additional information.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as the investigation progresses. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this article. Learn more through our disclaimer.
If someone you love was killed in a collision, consider contacting a Nebraska personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your family’s legal rights and options.