Regional West Chief Medical Officer among dead in Chadron plane crash

CHADRON, NE — Officials have confirmed the identities of the three people killed in a plane crash near Chadron Sunday evening.

Tuesday, November 23rd 2021, 7:37 PM MST

By Elic Chisam

Matthew Bruner Courtesy Photo

CHADRON, NE — Officials have confirmed the identities of the three people killed in a plane crash near Chadron Sunday evening.

Dawes County Attorney Vance Haug says 44-year-old Dr. Matthew Bruner was one of the three victims.

Matthew was the Chief Medical Officer at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. He worked in the Women's Center at Regional West Physician's Clinic.

Matthew's son, 21-year-old Noah Bruner and family friend 19-year-old Sydnee Brester also died in the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. Authorities say they will release their findings once the investigation is complete.

Original reports of the plane crash came in around 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Witnesses reported seeing a "fireball" or "explosion" where the crash occurred.

Regional West published the following message on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon:

We are sad to share the news of the unexpected loss of one of the Regional West team members and physicians, Dr. Matt Bruner. Dr. Bruner was a medical staff leader, physician, and friend to many.

Please keep the Bruner family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.