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Katie Richards, Former University of North Dakota Basketball Standout, Killed in A Crash

North Dakota Athletic mourns the loss of Miss Basketball North Dakota, Katie Richards.

Katie Richards, a former North Dakota Women’s Basketball standout and Miss Basketball North Dakota, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 2, 2023. She was 45 years old. Her death was confirmed by the University of North Dakota, who mourned the late athlete and paid tribute to her on the University’s athletic website. The UND athletics Director, Bill Chaves, said,

“We are devastated and heartbroken to hear the news about Katie. She was one of the most influential alums we have had at UND, and her legacy will live on forever.”

What happened to Katie Richards?

According to the reports, she was involved in a single-vehicle rollover in Traill County, North Dakota. Highway Patrol states the crash happened just after midnight, about 8 miles west of Reynolds, a city in Grand Forks and Traill Counties in the State of North Dakota.

She was traveling southbound on an SUV on 22nd Avenue Northeast about 8 miles west of Reynolds, when the vehicle left the road and vaulted and rolled. The deadly accident tragically claimed her life. An investigation is underway to learn more about the circumstances which led to the fatal crash.

Who was Katie Richards?

According to the University of North Dakota, she was one of the greatest players to put on a Fighting Sioux Basketball jersey. Her unparalleled athletic talents helped the team reach four NCAA tournaments, won two North Central Conference crowns, and won three straight national championships from 1996 to 2000.
She was named Miss Basketball North Dakota. She played in 123 games and ended her career with 1,512 points and 769 rebounds. She earned All-NCC honors in her junior and senior years.

UND Women’s Basketball Head Coach Mallory Bernhard had nothing but praise for her. Bernhard shared that the news of Katie’s passing was devastating. She said Katie was not just one of the ‘greats of our program,’ but much more. According to Bernhard, Katie was a ‘great teammate’ to everyone who put on one ND jersey. “She was a great mother, dear friend, and one of the most selfless people I know. Everything Katie did, she did 100 percent and with all her heart.”

Most recently, Katie was an instructor at Mayville State and served on the UND Letterwinner Association. The Mayville State University also mourned its cherished member and paid tribute to her on its social media.

Obituary and Funeral

Katie Richard’s family will release an obituary and provide details of her death when they are ready. They are currently healing from their inconsolable loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. May she rest in peace.

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Brenda Moya

Update: 2024-05-08