On October 22, 2025, Chad’s wife, Rachel, was involved in a tragic accident. She was found non-responsive by their 12-year-old daughter during the night.

LPD and EMS performed CPR and rushed Rachel to the ER in critical condition. Rachel was placed on life support, suffering severe injury to her brain due to non-response time.

Rachel fought a tremendously hard fight for 5 days but was unable to overcome her significant injuries. On Sunday, October 26th, Chad, his children, and our families experienced immeasurable, tremendous heartbreak when the medical team pronounced Rachel brain dead.

Rachel was a very loving wife and devoted mom. She leaves behind her husband, Chad, and their 5 children between the ages of 4 and 12.

Rachel was a very loving, caring, and giving person who always helped others. This proves true through her life and now untimely passing.

Rachel is a registered organ donor. Through Live On Nebraska, Chad is helping to ensure that her huge heart and genuine caring for others lives on. Rachel will have the ability to save at least 8 lives and provide many others for years with her loving gift of tissue donation.

In this immeasurable grief, Chad now faces the overwhelming reality of raising their five children without his wife, best friend, and soulmate by his side. As family and friends, we want to surround Chad and his children with love, support, and help during this devastating time. It takes a village.

This GoFundMe is being requested by Shawna Backemeyer, (Chad’s mother) to help with immediate and future expenses such as funeral costs, raising his children, living expenses, and future needs of Chad and his children as he navigates the months and years ahead.

Each and every contribution—no matter how large or small, will make a positive and meaningful difference to help ease Chad and his 5 beautiful children’s stress and burden.

All donations and funds will be 100% directed to Chad and the kids.

Please keep Chad and his children in your thoughts and prayers.

If you are able, we invite you to give in honor of Rachel’s memory.

Your compassion and generosity will help bring comfort and hope to Chad and his family as they begin to heal and navigate the next months and years.