Together, they founded the initiative Anchoring Hope for Mental Health: Jeremy & Bailey Koch—a platform built to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and cultivate connection.

Hudson and Asher: Kindness, Courage, and Quiet Strength

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of this tragedy is the loss of Hudson and Asher Koch, two exceptional young men who were just beginning to step into the world.

Hudson, 17, was a high school junior known for his intelligence, humor, and emotional sensitivity. He played the trumpet in the school band and was part of the debate team, where he used his voice to champion causes like youth mental health and school inclusion programs. Those who knew him described a young man who was wise beyond his years and deeply empathetic.

Hudson faced personal struggles, including his own battle with depression and suicide attempts. But he was brave and resilient—never hiding, always fighting. He shared his experiences with peers to help them navigate their own storms. In his short life, he made a profound impact.

Asher, 14, a middle school student, was the quiet soul of the family. Gentle, funny, and thoughtful, Asher was the kind of person who would notice if someone was sitting alone and go sit beside them. He loved animals, had a talent for drawing, and was inseparable from his older brother. He had dreams of becoming a therapist or youth counselor like his parents.

Both boys had inherited their parents’ compassion—and their desire to make the world better.

Natural Escapes: A Haven of Healing

Bailey and Jeremy were more than advocates—they were community builders. In 2022, they opened Natural Escapes, a wellness boutique in downtown Cozad focused on mental health, mindfulness, and holistic healing. It quickly became a sanctuary not only for clients but also for anyone who needed a kind word or a place to breathe.

The store offered essential oils, journaling workshops, self-care kits, and community talks on grief, anxiety, and healing. Children were welcome. Teenagers found comfort there. Parents found solidarity. And through it all, Bailey and Jeremy listened, encouraged, and uplifted.

It was never about selling products—it was about giving people hope.

The Final Moments and What We Know

On the evening of May 9, concerned friends contacted law enforcement after they were unable to reach the Koch family. Responding officers from the Cozad Police Department and other agencies arrived at the Koch residence near Johnson Lake around 6:00 p.m.

There, they found Jeremy, Bailey, Hudson, and Asher deceased from gunshot wounds. Authorities believe Jeremy took his own life after fatally shooting his wife and children. Investigators continue to look into the days and weeks leading up to the tragedy to better understand what may have contributed to this devastating outcome.

No final note has been made public. No single event has been confirmed as the cause. What remains, however, is a palpable grief and a plea for the community—and the world—not to reduce this family to their final moments, but to remember the years of service, love, and healing they gave.

A Legacy That Lives On

In the wake of the tragedy, families, educators, pastors, and students have come together in remembrance. A memorial garden is being planned at Cozad High School. A scholarship fund in the family’s name will help students pursuing careers in special education, counseling, or mental health advocacy.

Candlelight vigils, prayer circles, and mental health awareness forums have taken place in towns across Nebraska. People who once attended Jeremy and Bailey’s workshops or followed their Anchoring Hope blog have come forward with testimonials: “They saved my life,” one young mother wrote. “Without Bailey, I would never have finished school,” said a former student.

Their work continues through the lives they touched.

In Their Own Words: Messages That Endure

Bailey and Jeremy frequently wrote about the power of transparency, vulnerability, and hope. In one of her last blog entries, Bailey wrote:

“We anchor ourselves in hope, not because life is easy, but because it’s worth holding onto. Every moment of connection is a reason to keep going.”

In a 2024 public speech, Jeremy said:

“Even on the days when the darkness is loud, I remind myself—and I remind you—that light still exists. And it’s found in your people. Keep holding on.”

These messages have been shared widely in the days since their passing, a testament to the impact of their truth and compassion.

An Invitation to Grace

The Koch family leaves behind a legacy not of despair, but of love, advocacy, and honesty. As the community continues to grieve, there is a universal call for grace—grace toward mental illness, grace in grief, and grace in how we remember those who are gone.

Their lives remind us that behind every smile may be a story, behind every advocate a survivor, and behind every tragedy, people who loved fiercely.

Moving Forward, Holding On

The loss of Jeremy, Bailey, Hudson, and Asher Koch is immeasurable. But so too is their impact. They were more than a news story. They were a family who gave their lives to helping others. They believed in the power of talking openly about hard things. They believed in healing. And even in tragedy, their message still rings true:

You are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help exists. Hope is real. And love—like the love the Kochs gave—never truly dies.