Former UND Basketball Standout Killed in Crash in Traill County

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota Athletics is mourning the loss of former UND basketball standout and Miss Basketball North Dakota, Katie Richards.

She was involved in a single vehicle rollover in Traill County.

Highway Patrol reports the crash happened just after midnight, about 8 miles west of Reynolds.

The vehicle left the road, vaulted and rolled.

The crash remains under investigation.

Richards is regarded as one of the greatest players to put on the basketball uniform at North Dakota, helping the Fighting Sioux reach four NCAA Tournaments.

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

Richards was Director of Student Success and Disability Services at Mayville State University.

“She was a great asset to MSU athletics and always put the students first,” said MSU Athletic Director Rocky Larson on social media.

“We extend our condolences to the Richards family and all those whose lives she has impacted.”

Richards was 45.