Kearney Police Department, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Following an investigation that lasted several months, which included collaboration between the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office and numerous medical experts across the country, the cause of death of Abigail Findley (3-5-25) has been ruled undetermined.
According to the final autopsy report, the forensic pathologist characterized Abigail’s death as an “undetermined death in infancy associated with intrinsic factors, including rhinovirus/enterovirus, and potentially extrinsic factors in the sleep environment.”
The Kearney Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the Findley family and everyone affected by this tragedy. We cannot begin to imagine the pain this family has experienced during such an unimaginable loss.
Kearney Police Department investigators diligently and thoroughly followed up on every lead and area presented during this extensive investigation and numerous follow-up discussions occurred between law enforcement personnel, the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office, and medical professionals regarding the circumstances of this case. Ultimately, it was determined that prosecution would not proceed, as there is not a reasonable belief that evidence of a crime could be presented beyond a reasonable doubt.
“This has been an extremely difficult and trying investigation for all of the personnel involved and KPD would like to sincerely thank the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, the Omaha Police Department, CHI Good Samaritan Hospital, CHI Children’s Hospital, the Department of Health and Human Services, Physicians Laboratory Services, Northwestern University Neuropathology, and the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office for their assistance. This was a collaborative effort among numerous dedicated professionals in order to give us the best chance of determining the facts surrounding what occurred on June 3, 2025. My heart truly breaks for Abigail and the Findley family, and I wish them peace.” – Chief Gabriel Kowalek
The offices of Hennessy & Roach, P.C. Attorneys at Law in Omaha, NE, have requested privacy for the Findley family during this difficult time, and any questions can be directed towards their office.
Original Information:
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Kearney Police Department and CHI Good Samaritan Emergency Personnel responded to a medical emergency involving an unresponsive infant at a residence in the 1400 Block of 6th Ave in Kearney, NE.
Officers medical personnel immediately began life-saving efforts and transported the infant to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital. The infant was life-flighted to CHI Children’s Hospital in Omaha for further medical treatment. KPD investigators began an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This included collaboration with medical professionals from Kearney and at the Children’s Hospital in Omaha, the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Omaha Police Department.
Tragically, the infant, Abigail Findley, passed away on June 10th, 2025 and the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office ordered an autopsy. On June 16th, 2025, the Physicians Laboratory Services in Omaha, performed the autopsy and requested additional forensic examinations at Northwestern University Neuropathology, in Chicago, IL.
