A Nebraska grandfather was killed just days before Christmas in what police called a tragic “freak accident” at a McDonald’s drive-thru, leaving a family mourning during what should have been a joyful holiday week.
Michael Dickinson, 69, died Tuesday morning after he was pinned between his vehicle and the payment window at a McDonald’s in Grand Island. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Grand Island police. Authorities said Dickinson’s next of kin were notified.
Police Division Chief Dean Elliott told KSNB-TV the incident was “100% a freak accident.”
“It appears the deceased opened the door to further reach out of the window for payment purposes,” Elliott said.
“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,” he added.
An employee inside the restaurant attempted to rescue Dickinson by vaulting through the passenger side of the vehicle, Elliott said, but the effort was unsuccessful. The employee was also injured during the attempt.
Beloved grandfather crushed to death in ‘freak accident’ at McDonald’s drive-thru https://t.co/4n74v7iRqB pic.twitter.com/eOOuoc89VL
— New York Post (@nypost) December 25, 2025
The incident remains under investigation.
Dickinson’s daughter shared additional details about her father’s life in a Facebook post, noting that his right leg had been amputated in 2021. She wrote that he was later fitted with a prosthetic and worked hard to relearn how to walk. The reason for the amputation was not disclosed.
Family members remembered Dickinson for his character and generosity as they marked their first Christmas without him.
“A skilled and hardworking mechanic, Michael took pride in his work and had a gift for fixing what was broken. It reflected who he was – reliable, practical, and dedicated,” the family wrote.
They also highlighted his devotion to others, recalling his constant willingness to help when it mattered most.
“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 post said.
Police emphasized that no foul play is suspected, calling the incident a heartbreaking accident that ended a life far too soon.
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