He was only **19 years old**, full of promise and youth, when a devastating crash cut his life short. **Joseph Korber of Bern, Kansas**, died late **Sunday night** after his car lost control and rolled several times near **Beatrice**, according to authorities. The accident occurred around **11:30 p.m.** on a rural stretch of highway where the quiet night was shattered by the violent wreck that claimed the young driver’s life.
Investigators say Korber was driving **eastbound at speeds exceeding 100 mph** when the crash occurred. His vehicle veered off the roadway and flipped multiple times before coming to rest on its roof. Despite the fact that all four occupants were wearing seatbelts, the impact proved fatal for Korber, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency crews rushed to the site, where they found a scene of twisted metal and shattered glass scattered along the roadside. One passenger was **airlifted to a regional trauma center** in critical condition, while the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.
Authorities noted that the **road was dry and weather conditions were clear**, ruling out environmental factors as a cause. However, they are investigating whether **alcohol played a role** in the high-speed crash. Toxicology results are pending as the community awaits more answers about what led to the tragedy.
Friends and classmates in Bern and the surrounding area have expressed heartbreak over Korber’s death, describing him as a kind, outgoing young man who loved cars and adventure. “He lived life fast, but he cared deeply about his friends,” one peer shared.As investigators piece together the events of that night, a small Kansas town mourns the loss of a teenager whose life ended far too soon — a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy.
