State joins in sympathy for Nelson family loss

Our sincere condolences to former Sen. Ben Nelson and his family on the death of his daughter, Sarah Nelson, 46, at her home in Palm Springs, Calif.

She had been on and off crutches in recent days following ankle surgery, and was home alone when she struck her head in a fall.

It's always heart-rending when a parent loses a child, including for McCook native Nelson, who accompanied his daughter on fishing trips to Alaska and to Machu Picchu in Peru three years ago.

Sarah grew up in Omaha, graduated from the Duchesne Academy prep school and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

"I lost my daughter, my fishing partner, my traveling partner and a whole lot more," Nelson told the Omaha World-Herald. "I'll never get over this, but I'm going to get through it because I know that's what she would want."

"Sarah was one of the most well-liked persons ever," he told the Lincoln Journal-Star. "We were as close as a father and a daughter could ever be."

Partisan politics were quickly set aside as Republican leaders offered their sympathies as well.

"Melissa and I are devastated by this tragedy and offer our thoughts and prayers for the entire Nelson family," Sen. Ben Sasse said. "As the parents to three kids, our hearts go out to those who were close to Sarah. Nebraskans will hold the Nelson family close during this time of heartbreak."

Sen. Deb Fischer and Gov. Pete Ricketts joined in as well. "We can only begin to understand how difficult this loss is," Ricketts said. "We ask Nebraskans to join us in keeping their family in your thoughts and prayers."

Nelson said he will "get through this with faith, family and friends."

The Gazette joins the rest of our community in expressing our sincere sympathy to Sen. Nelson and his family.