MADISON, Neb. - A Madison farmer died in a single-vehicle accident Saturday night, according to the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said 50-year-old Steve Hastreiter did not return home when expected, prompting family and friends to search for him. His truck was later found in a ditch along a gravel road east of Madison.

Investigators believe Hastreiter was driving south on 559th Ave. about 1.5 miles south of Highway 32 when the vehicle left the road and struck an embankment. Authorities said the crash likely occurred earlier in the afternoon.

Life-saving measures were attempted when the truck was discovered, but Hastreiter was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials noted he was not wearing a seat belt.