Katie Richards, director of Student Success and Disability Support Services at Mayville State University in Mayville, North Dakota, died Nov. 2 at the age of 45 in a car accident.

According to reports, Richards lost control of her 2021 Buick Enclave while driving on the Northeast 22nd Avenue Highway, eight miles west of Reynolds in eastern North Dakota. The vehicle left the highway, jumped a side ditch and rolled, killing Richards almost instantly. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Richards was a resident of Hope, North Dakota, and her sudden death has left her community shocked and saddened. Mayville State University mourned Richards on Facebook, writing

Katie was a passionate advocate for students with disabilities and a dedicated member of the Mayville State University community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born in Hope, North Dakota, Richards attended Hope High School, where she was a member of the state's women's basketball team. She went on to play basketball at the University of North Dakota (UND) and earned a master's degree in special education.

Richards was a member of the University of North Dakota women's basketball team from 1995-1999 and helped the team win the national championship three years in a row (1996-1999).

After graduating from the University of North Dakota, Richards worked as a special education teacher in the Fargo Public Schools district. She then joined Mayville State University in 2017 as the Director of Student Success and Disability Support Services.

During her tenure at Mayville State, Richards was responsible for providing support services to students with disabilities. She also serves as a mentor and guide for students to help them succeed in their academic and personal lives.

Richards was a beloved member of the Mayville State community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Honoring Katie Richards

Bill Chavez, director of athletics at the University of North Dakota, mourned Richards' passing in a statement:

We were all shocked and heartbroken to hear the news about Katie. She was one of the most influential alumni of the University of North Dakota and her spirit will live on.

UND women's basketball head coach Mallory Bernhard also paid tribute to Richards:

The news of Katie's passing is absolutely devastating. She was not only one of the greatest people in our program, but so much more. She was a wonderful teammate, not only to those who played with her, but to all who wore the North Dakota State jersey.

Bernhard said Richards was one of the most helpful people she had ever met, a loving friend and a devoted mother. She also mentioned that Richards was 100 percent committed and dedicated to everything she did.

Bernhard added that Richards was always supportive and offered honest advice "as an alumna and a true friend," and she considered herself lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know Katie up close and personal.

Richards leaves behind a husband, Jason, and two sons.