The Lincoln community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Derek Klotz, a beloved 17-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in a motorcycle accident. Derek’s passing has left his family, friends, and all who knew him shattered by grief, struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of a young man with so much life ahead of him.
Derek was a son, a friend, and a bright light whose presence touched countless lives. Known for his energy, his passion, and the unmistakable spark that made him uniquely Derek, he was loved deeply by those around him. His laughter, his personality, and his dreams—still unfolding—made his absence feel all the more profound.
Those who loved him most are enduring unimaginable pain. His mother shared the raw depth of her grief in a simple, devastating message: “RIP my baby boy Derek Klotz. Forever 17. Taken too soon. I am not okay.” Her words echo the heartbreak felt across the community as they mourn a life that ended far too early.
At just 17, Derek should have had years of opportunity, joy, and discovery ahead of him. Instead, his memory will now be carried forward by those who cherished him—who watched him grow, believed in his future, and loved him without measure. His story, though tragically short, is filled with moments of connection, hope, and love that will never be forgotten.
As friends and family come together to honor Derek’s memory, they hold tightly to the love they shared with him and the countless moments that made him unforgettable. His spirit will live on in every heart he touched.
Funeral arrangements and service details will be shared by the family when available.
May Derek rest in peace, forever loved and forever 17.
