A 69-year-old man died Tuesday in what authorities described as a “freak accident” at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Grand Island, Nebraska, after becoming trapped between his vehicle and the restaurant’s payment window.
Michael Dickinson was pinned between his vehicle and the building at the McDonald’s located at 1317 W 2nd Street. Emergency responders from the Grand Island Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene at 10:23 a.m. on December 23, 2025.
Upon arrival, first responders found Dickinson trapped between the vehicle and the east side of the building at the drive-thru payment window. He was transported to CHI St. Francis Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead. His next of kin has been notified.
Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott characterized the incident as a complete accident. “It appears the deceased opened the door to further reach out the window for payment purposes,” Elliott said. The vehicle may have lurched forward during this action, causing Dickinson to become pinned between the door frame and the drive-thru window counter.
The investigation determined that Dickinson was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was the individual who sustained fatal injuries. Grand Island Police Division Chief Dean Elliott emphasized the unusual nature of the tragedy, stating it was “100% a freak accident.”
A McDonald’s employee was injured while attempting to help Dickinson during the incident. The employee entered through the passenger side of the vehicle in an effort to assist the trapped man. The worker was taken to the hospital by ambulance and is expected to recover from the injuries sustained during the rescue attempt.
The Grand Island Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team responded to assist with the investigation and reconstruction of the scene. The specialized unit worked to document the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. The scene was cleared at 12:35 p.m., approximately two hours after emergency responders first arrived.
The McDonald’s restaurant remained open after the incident, continuing operations despite the tragedy that had occurred just hours earlier.
Dickinson had faced significant medical challenges in recent years. His right leg was amputated in 2021, and he was subsequently fitted with a prosthetic limb. His daughter, Bridget Wright, had previously documented his recovery and rehabilitation process.
Family members mourned Dickinson’s sudden death, remembering him as a devoted family man who demonstrated his love through actions and was always willing to help those close to him when it mattered most. They described him as a skilled mechanic who took pride in his work and possessed a natural gift for fixing what was broken.
His family noted that his mechanical abilities reflected his character, describing him as reliable, practical, and dedicated in all aspects of his life. Dickinson also cherished his dogs, who were constant companions and brought him great joy.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with the Grand Island Police Department working in conjunction with the Grand Island Fire Department and the Hall County Attorney’s Office. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances that led to the fatal accident.
Drive-thru accidents, while rare, can occur when customers attempt to reach payment or pickup windows from their vehicles. The tragedy highlights the unexpected dangers that can arise during routine activities.
The incident occurred just before 10:30 a.m. during what would typically be a busy breakfast period at the fast-food restaurant on 2nd Street. The McDonald’s location serves as a popular stop for residents and travelers in the Grand Island area.
Local authorities have emphasized the unusual nature of the accident, with police officials noting the combination of circumstances that led to the fatal outcome. The specific mechanics of how the vehicle may have moved forward while Dickinson was reaching for the payment window remain under investigation.
Dickinson’s family reflected on the sudden loss, noting that though his life was cut short, his love, loyalty, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of family and friends. They expressed that he will be dearly missed and always remembered by those who knew him.
The Grand Island community has rallied around Dickinson’s family following the unexpected tragedy. Neighbors, friends, and school classmates have paid their respects and shared memories of the 69-year-old Grand Island resident.
The Hall County Attorney’s Office continues to work alongside local police and fire departments as the investigation proceeds. Authorities have not indicated any timeline for the completion of their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Dickinson’s death.
