NSP Investigating Death at Red Willow County Jail
Jan 15, 2026 / Mikayla Hall – Marketing & Communications Specialist
JANUARY 15, 2026 (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, 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.