An 18-year-old Montana Good Samaritan and Wyoming student, Riggin Cole Schaffer, tragically died on March 23, 2025, while helping out an injured driver following an accident. While he was assisting a driver, a third vehicle fatally struck him in Laramie, Wyoming.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to the Cowboy State Daily, he stopped on Highway 130 to assist an injured driver. The driver was involved in a single-car accident at the time. While Schaffer was helping out the unnamed driver, a third vehicle fatally struck Schaffer.
As per the outlet, the Wyoming Highway Patrol did report a fatal traffic incident on March 23. However, no further information was made public. It is unknown whether the individual who crashed his vehicle against the scene and Schaffer have been charged since the incident took place.
Remembering Riggin Cole Schaffer
An obituary was posted to Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes, with information about Riggin Cole Schaffer provided by one his family members, as per Cowboy State Daily.
"While he grew and learned to navigate the world, he was true to himself, lived by his own code, and never pretended to be something he wasn't," the obituary reads. "Fiercely loyal to the people he loved, he was one of the kindest and most generous of friends."
The obituary describes Schaffer as a man with "true integrity and willing to endure any hardship to preserve it."
As the obituary briefly describes the events of March 23, it also goes over Schaffer's life. While still boy, Riggin Cole Schaffer enjoyed dinosaurs, dragons, pirates, and wrestling. Schaffer also loved branding season. Both his father and grandfather were of great assistance in teaching him how to break his colt and rope.
Eventually, Schaffer moved to Laramie, Wyoming. There, he attended WyoTech to study automobile collision repair, painting, and upholstery, as per the obituary. He looked forward to setting up his own restoration shop, having already restored a '68 Malibu with his father.
"While his life was tragically short, it was lived to the fullest," the obituary continues. "His loved ones will miss his laugh, getting to hear his random thoughts, and watching him find his way in the world (always entertaining). They are grateful for every moment spent with him."
Riggin Cole Schaffer's family service will take place on Friday, April 4, at the Rolling Hills Golf Course in Boradus, Montana.
