Wyoming Man Dead After Hitting Semi Near Shoshoni

A 69-year-old Wyoming man is dead after hitting a semi near Shoshoni, the Wyoming Highway Patrol says.

It happened around 1:03 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at milepost 96.5 on U.S. 20/26, about three miles east of the city limits.

According to a fatality crash summary, Kent Richards was behind the wheel of a westbound Ford F-150 negotiating a curve when he entered the eastbound lane and hit a Peterbilt combination unit on the driver's side.

"The Ford entered a passenger-leading spin, rolling backward off the westbound shoulder of the roadway before coming to a final resting position," the summary reads.

Richards was wearing a seat belt, but, sadly, did not survive the crash. The trucker was not injured.

No Possible Contributing Factors Listed

The summary says it was clear, and the highway was dry at the time of the crash, but it does not list any possible contributing factors.

Richards is the 42nd reported person to die on Wyoming's highways this year.

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According to his obituary (see below), Richards, of Cody, served in the Navy for a few years, but his true calling was always building things.

He loved fishing, was a true music aficionado, and will be remembered for his very dry sense of humor and the fierce, protective love he had for his family.

Kent McDonough Richards of Cody, Wyoming
December 9, 1955 - June 9, 2025

Kent McDonough Richards, 69, of Cody, Wyoming, left us far too soon on Monday, June 9th, 2025, following a tragic automobile accident.

Born in Port Hueneme, California, on December 9th, 1955, to Betty and George Richards, Kent grew up in the Stockton area. He served in the U.S. Navy for a few years, but his true calling was always building things. A carpenter by trade and by heart, he had a natural knack for his craft. Later in life, he transitioned to other roles, but his love for creating never faded.

Kent was a man of specific passions. He loved fishing, even if he didn't get away to do it as often as he would have liked. He was a true music aficionado with a deep love for the great guitarists of the 60s and 70s (just not The Beatles!). He would often try to get friends to vibe with a Thin Lizzy song, sharing a piece of what he loved.

Above all, his life was defined by a huge heart. This was never more apparent than with his "pretty girl" and the love of his life, Charlene Burt. He considered himself blessed to have met her, and they shared a love so deep that he even cherished the bickering they so often did. He also loved his dogs like they were his children; Kirby, Rylee, and Brodie could do no wrong and were often treated to whatever Kent was eating, straight from his fork.

Those who knew him will remember his very dry sense of humor and the fierce, protective love he had for his family. He is survived by his step-sons, Todd Burt and Derek Ashbay; his daughters-in-law, Sarah Burt, Heather Ashbay, and Caelyn McNicol; and his beloved grandchildren, who were his whole world: Xavier, Pearl, Lexi, Bailey, Seth, Audrey, Bryce, and Brooke. He is also survived by his Aunt Ila Sue Gladney and several cousins, including Bonnie Parker, with whom he had recently reconnected. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Betty, his sister Cindy, and his beloved Charlene.

A casual celebration of life will be held at his house on Sunday, June 15th, at 2:00 PM. Please stop by to share a story and have some barbeque. Kent wouldn't have wanted anything formal, so please don’t feel pressured to dress up or bring anything. We just want to remember this man with his friends and family.

Papa Kent will be missed more than words can say. We will make sure his special little grandbaby, Charlotte Pearl, who was the light of his life, will always know the wonderful man he was and the kindness and generosity he brought to those he loved.