Fatal Early-Morning Collision
Gavin Maas, 26, struck and killed jogger Anthony Miller, 37, during an early-morning run in Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 31, 2025. Maas filed a lawsuit against Miller’s estate in Lancaster County Court on April 6, seeking at least $50,000 for permanent physical and emotional injuries, including severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The incident occurred around 4:45 a.m. on South 27th Street. Miller and his wife, Bailey, were jogging when Maas approached from behind. Bailey wore reflective gear, allowing Maas to see her and provide space. Miller, however, ran in the middle of the road in dark clothing without reflective materials in the predawn darkness, according to court documents.
Maas collided with Miller almost immediately upon spotting him. He stopped his vehicle, exited, and attempted life-saving measures, the filing states. Miller sustained life-threatening injuries and died at a hospital.
Maas’s PTSD Claims and Treatment
Since the crash, Maas has required multiple hospitalizations and completed a 21-day PTSD rehabilitation program at an out-of-state facility. The lawsuit alleges that the trauma permanently altered his brain and body, necessitating lifelong therapy, medication, and management of symptoms like suicidal ideations and dissociative episodes.
“Gavin’s trauma is compounded by the feelings of guilt that he carries over suffering from PTSD while knowing the Miller family is grieving the loss of a husband and father,” the complaint states. Maas expressed hope for resolution without litigation but cited circumstances beyond his control.
His attorney, Sam Colwell, explains that an insurance company wrongly denied coverage for Maas’s well-documented PTSD. “He does not want Miller’s estate to pay the costs; rather, he hopes insurance companies will do what their policy requires,” Colwell stated. Maas, a teacher and coach for wrestling, basketball, and track at Irving Middle School, feels mortified by the situation and prays nightly for the Miller family while navigating treatment.
Anthony Miller’s Legacy
Miller, an award-winning nurse at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, left behind his wife Bailey and two young daughters, ages one and three. His obituary highlights his love for fatherhood, playing with dolls, make-believe, dress-up, and hair braiding with his girls. An outdoors enthusiast and extreme sports fan, Miller embodied selflessness, grace, and faith.
“He leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, grace and unwavering belief in God’s promises,” the tribute notes. “Though his absence is deeply felt, we take comfort in knowing that Anthony is now in the presence of his Savior, whom he loved and served so faithfully.”
No charges were filed against Maas, as police determined he was not impaired, according to reports.
