Todd Meneely, Nebraska Wrestling Champion, Dies After Central Omaha Crash
Todd Meneely Accident: The Nebraska wrestling and martial arts community is mourning the loss of Todd Meneely, a respected athlete, mentor, and devoted father, who passed away Monday after sustaining critical injuries in a car accident in central Omaha on Sunday. He was 42 years old.
According to the Omaha Police Department, officers responded shortly after 4:15 p.m. Sunday to a crash near Meadow Drive and 91st Avenue. Preliminary information indicates that a westbound 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee left the roadway and struck a light pole before colliding with a tree. First responders administered CPR at the scene before Meneely was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He later passed away on Monday. Authorities have stated that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
News of Meneely’s passing has deeply affected Nebraska’s wrestling community and those beyond it. Nebraska USA Wrestling shared a statement remembering him as a prominent figure in the sport, noting, “Skutt Catholic and UNO legend Todd Meneely was involved in a serious car accident. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Meneely’s achievements as a wrestler were widely recognized. A graduate of V.J. and Angela Skutt Catholic High School and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, he became a three-time NCAA Division II national champion while competing for Nebraska–Omaha. He finished his collegiate career with an 85–5 record, earned induction into the Division II Hall of Fame, and was named the 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestler of the Year, solidifying his place among the most accomplished athletes in the state.
Those close to him say his influence extended far beyond competition. Friends, teammates, and coaches described Meneely as a determined competitor with a generous and supportive nature. He was often referred to as a “Gladiator” and a “Maverick,” nicknames that reflected both his intensity on the mat and the lasting inspiration he provided within the UNO wrestling program.
Tributes have continued to arrive from across the wrestling community. Former teammates recalled his role as a mentor who challenged others to improve while emphasizing respect, discipline, and integrity. Colleagues and friends remembered him as a dedicated father and loyal friend whose encouragement reached well beyond athletics. One former teammate shared that Meneely did not simply teach wrestling, but helped shape lives through his example.
Born on July 25, 1983, Todd Meneely leaves behind a legacy defined not only by championships and honors, but by character, dedication, and generosity. His impact on Nebraska wrestling and on the many individuals he guided and inspired will be remembered for years to come.