katie richards car accident and katie richards mayville nd

Publish date: 2024-06-24

The Mayville State University community is grieving the tragic loss of Director of Student Success Katie Richards, who passed away in a fatal car accident early Thursday morning near Hope, North Dakota. Richards was a beloved staff member and key leader at the university.

Crash Details Emerge

According to authorities, the single-vehicle crash occurred around 12:10 AM Thursday as Richards was driving southbound alone in her 2021 Buick Enclave on 22nd Avenue NE near Hope. For unknown reasons, her vehicle veered off the road and rolled multiple times.

Richards was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. She was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to crash details from North Dakota Highway Patrol. The tragic incident is still under investigation.

Esteemed Staff Member

Katie Richards served as Mayville State's Director of Student Success and Disability Support Services, playing a vital role in helping students thrive. She was an invaluable member of the university staff for many years.

Colleagues and students remember Richards as kindhearted, dedicated and passionate about making a difference in others' lives. Her sudden passing leaves a profound void at Mayville State.

Accomplished Basketball Star

Before embarking on an education career, Katie Richards made a name for herself as a standout basketball talent. A Hope, ND native, she earned prestigious athletic honors at UND.

Richards was recently inducted into the UND Athletic Hall of Fame for her instrumental role on the 1998-99 NCAA Division II Championship team. She continued coaching high school basketball locally for 14 years.

Outpouring of Grief

News of Richards’ shocking, untimely death in the crash has elicited deep grief across North Dakota’s tight-knit education and athletics communities. Colleagues lament the loss of such a vibrant, dedicated leader and mentor.

The Mayville State community will deeply feel Richards' absence. Her loved ones appreciate the strong outpouring of support during this difficult time as they process this immense tragedy.

Honoring a Meaningful Legacy

While coping with sudden heartbreaking loss, Mayville State strives to honor Katie Richards’ lasting legacy of compassion, leadership and commitment to student success.

Her memory carries on in the many lives she touched over the years through her work empowering students as an educator and coach. Though gone too soon, Richards' inspirational impact persists at Mayville State and beyond.