On what should have been a day of celebration, May 10, 2025, the Kugler family faced an unimaginable tragedy. Lane Kugler arrived at his daughter Bailey’s home in Nebraska, anticipating his grandson Hudson’s high school graduation. Instead, he discovered the lifeless bodies of Bailey, her husband Jeremy, and their two sons, Hudson and Asher. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that Jeremy Koch, 42, had taken the lives of his family before ending his own.
Jeremy had battled mental health issues since at least 2009, including multiple suicide attempts. Bailey, a dedicated mental health advocate, co-founded the Facebook page “Anchoring Hope for Mental Health: Jeremy & Bailey Koch” to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles. Despite her efforts, the weight of Jeremy’s illness proved too heavy.
In March, Bailey recounted a terrifying incident where Jeremy, in a state of psychosis, stood over her with a knife, saying, “Something is wrong.” She managed to de-escalate the situation and sought help for him. On May 8, Jeremy was released from inpatient care after being treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. Bailey expressed hope that he would be well enough to attend Hudson’s graduation.
Just days before the tragedy, Bailey launched a GoFundMe campaign, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness. She wrote, “May is mental health awareness month, so here we are…making you aware.”
In a heartfelt open letter, Lane Kugler expressed his anguish and anger over the loss of his family. He emphasized that it was not Jeremy, but his illness, that committed the horrific act. He praised Bailey’s relentless efforts to support her husband and raise awareness about mental health.
The Koch family’s story is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of untreated mental illness and the importance of accessible mental health care. Their legacy serves as a call to action for increased awareness, support, and resources for those battling mental health issues.
