A 69-year-old grandfather from Nebraska was killed in what police have described as a "freak accident" at a McDonald's drive-thru just days before Christmas.
A Tragic Sequence of Events
The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at a McDonald's location in Grand Island, Nebraska. According to police, Michael Dickinson, 69, became pinned between his vehicle and the restaurant's drive-thru payment window.
Police Division Chief Dean Elliott explained to local media that the tragedy appears to have unfolded when Dickinson opened his car door to reach further out of the window while attempting to make a payment. "It appears the deceased opened the door to further reach out of the window for payment purposes," Elliott stated.
"We're not sure if the vehicle lurched forward or what happened, but he became pinned between the door frame and the drive-thru window counter," the chief added. Dickinson was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Heroic Rescue Attempt and Investigation
In a desperate bid to save the man's life, one McDonald's employee vaulted through the passenger side of Dickinson's car. Despite the brave effort, the worker was unable to free him and sustained injuries during the attempt.
The Grand Island Police Department has stated that the incident remains under investigation. Officers from the department's Accident Reconstruction Team are working to piece together the precise sequence of events that led to the fatal accident.
A Life Remembered: "Reliable, Practical, and Dedicated"
Michael Dickinson is remembered by his heartbroken family as a loving husband, having celebrated his 32nd wedding anniversary
In tributes shared on social media, his family reflected on their first Christmas without him, highlighting his unwavering willingness "to help and be there when it mattered most." They described Dickinson as "a skilled and hardworking mechanic" who took immense pride in his work.
"It reflected who he was – reliable, practical, and dedicated," the family wrote. "Though his life was cut short, Michael's love, loyalty, and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be dearly missed and always remembered."
The community and the fast-food chain are now left grappling with the aftermath of a sudden and devastating loss during what is meant to be a season of joy.
