Wyoming Community Honors WyoTech Student Who Died Assisting Crash Victim

The family and friends of 18-year-old Riggin Schaffer are remembering him as a hero after he was fatally struck while assisting a crash victim on a Wyoming highway.

Schaffer, a Montana native and WyoTech student, was killed on the night of March 23 on Highway 130 near Centennial. According to his family, Schaffer had been home for the evening when he left his apartment, possibly responding to a call for help.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reported that Schaffer stopped to assist another 18-year-old whose vehicle had crashed into guardrails and stalled in the westbound lane. While standing by the driver’s side door, another vehicle struck the scene, fatally injuring Schaffer and hospitalizing the crash victim.

“It was an instantaneous death,” Schaffer’s sister, Madeline York, said. “They said there was no way they could have done anything.”

Authorities have not yet released further details about the incident, which is being investigated as two separate crashes.

Schaffer’s family describes him as someone who always stepped up to help others. His mother, Stephanie Schaffer, shared that he had spent that same day comforting a lost four-year-old girl at Snowy Range Ski Area, where he worked.

A lifelong car enthusiast, Schaffer was studying automotive restoration at WyoTech with dreams of opening his own shop. His passion for cars extended beyond the classroom—he was known for leaving Hot Wheels replicas of vehicles on windshields in parking lots.

Riggin grew up in Broadus, Montana, where he loved wrestling, snowboarding, and working on cars. His mother fondly recalled their many hours spent practicing wrestling techniques in their living room.

Schaffer’s loss marks the second traffic tragedy to impact his small hometown. His childhood best friend, Cale Emmons, died in a crash in 2022. After Cale’s passing, Schaffer became close with Emmons’ mother, who he affectionately called “Mom.”

“Riggin filled that void for our family. He was just amazing,” Kimber Emmons said.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, April 3, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, April 4, at 1 p.m. at Rolling Hills Golf Course.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Riggin Schaffer Benefit Account at Yellowstone Bank of Broadus. A GoFundMe has also been set up to support the family.

Schaffer’s loved ones say he lived life to the fullest and will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering loyalty.

With input from Cowboy State Daily and KGAB AM 650.