The heartbreaking and bone chilling post on Facebook reads:

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, at approximately 03:56 a.m. emergency crews were detailed to the area of 6th Road and Ormsby Road, rural Archer, Merrick County, Nebraska after a utility employee, who was called to investigate a power outage, reported a single vehicle traffic accident.

Upon emergency crews’ arrival, law enforcement discovered that a 2007 Nissan Sentra was traveling west bound on Ormsby road when the vehicle approached a curve in the roadway. The vehicle failed to navigate the curve and the vehicle left the roadway striking a power pole. The driver, and lone occupant, of the vehicle was ejected and was pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver was not utilizing a seat belt safety system. Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be a factor in this accident.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 33-year-old, Grand Island, NE resident, Shaun L Wilcox.

On behalf of the Merrick County Sheriff's Office and all emergency crews we extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Mr. Wilcox.

The Merrick County Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by the Chapman Fire and Rescue, the Central City Ambulance, the Central City Volunteer Fire Department, and Southern Public Power District.

For most of us that news was painful to read, but soon we moved on with our lives. We returned back to the daily grind, but others were not as fortunate because the loss of this life impacts them on a different level. Shaun left behind three children, a fiancé and many other friends and family members. He also left behind his work family at Lincoln Manor, although many of them knew him by a different name.

At Lincoln manor he was simply known as “Chef.” Afterall it was a title and name he was proud to embrace. After years as a line cook it was Chef’s time to step into the driver’s seat as he joined the staff at Lincoln Manor. His impact was certainly felt and according to Jay Patel, there would not be a Lincoln Manor today if it wasn’t for the dedication of Shaun Wilcox.

Shaun was born on July 24, 1989, in Oakley KS, to Dale and Rose (Edwards) Wilcox. The family traveled all over the country during Shaun’s younger years. He received his GED in 2012. Shaun worked as the Head Chef at Lincoln Manor in Central City. He was a devoted and loving father, and in his spare time, he enjoyed playing video games, cooking, and anything to do with Star Wars.

Tuesday night I made my way to Lincoln Manor where I met with the staff to get an idea of the man that they have affectionately known as Chef. On the bar set a drink in his honor while his photo and jacket rested upon the last stool that he sat in. It quickly became clear that Shaun was a larger-than-life personality. He lived his life to honor his family at home and with that came great dedication to his craft as a chef.

More than just a chef, Shaun was a devoted and loving father, and in his spare time, he enjoyed playing video games, cooking, and anything to do with Star Wars. Those left to cherish his memory include his other half, Jamie Zapp; children, Kimberlee, Joeseph, and Malia; parents, Dale and Rose Wilcox; siblings, Brian and Savanna Wilcox, Jason Rhea, Shanna Porter; and niece, Scarlett Wilcox.

Shaun thrived in his role at Lincoln Manor even though it was new to him. He was always on time and ready to attack the day. With the sound of rock music floating through the building, he would get his work done and prepare himself for success. Shaun was always cool, calm and collected on the outside no matter how busy it was in the kitchen. In his moments of downtime he was known to take a break from the kitchen to make his way out to the dining room to visit with customers.

Shaun’s life tragically came to an end this past Saturday, however, the impact that Chef had on the staff at Lincoln Manor will live on for years to come.

A funeral service will be held on Monday April 24th at 2pm at All Faiths Funeral Home. Family will greet friends for one hour before the service. A fundraiser has also been created to help Shaun’s family with funeral costs. https://www.gofundme.com/f/shaun-wilcox