Teen Died While Trying to Help Another Driver on a Wyoming Highway: ‘He Would Do Anything for Anyone at Any Time’

18-Year-Old Teen Dies While Helping Another Driver on a Wyoming Highway

An unfortunate incident on a highway in Wyoming has led to the tragic death of 18-year-old Riggin Cole Schaffer. According to reports, Riggin lost his life while attempting to assist a driver who had been injured in a single-car collision on Sunday, March 23 in Laramie. The young teen’s compassionate act of stopping to help someone in need turned fatal when another driver crashed into the scene, leading to Riggin’s untimely demise, as detailed in his obituary shared by Stevenson & Son Funeral Homes.

The specifics of the fatal traffic incident that claimed Riggin’s life were confirmed by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, although details such as whether anyone was charged in relation to the collision were not immediately disclosed, as reported by local news outlet Cowboy State Daily. Despite reaching out for further comment, Wyoming Highway Patrol had not responded to queries from PEOPLE as of Saturday, March 29.

Hailing from Broadus, Mont., Riggin was a college student at WyoTech in Laramie, where he was pursuing his academic endeavors. Described as someone who lived life on his terms right from the outset, Riggin was remembered by his family for staying true to himself and his values. An excerpt from his obituary reads, “Fiercely loyal to the people he loved, he was one of the kindest and most generous of friends, always willing to lend a helping hand without hesitation.”

With a passion for cars, Riggin harbored dreams of opening his own restoration shop to revive classic muscle cars. Recently acquiring a 1975 Chevrolet Camaro, the teen was eager to restore and bring the vehicle back to its former glory. Additionally, his newfound love for snowboarding at WyoTech had become a regular weekend activity, reflecting his diverse interests and zest for life.

Riggin’s family expressed their pride in witnessing him blossom into a young man who embraced challenges with integrity and resilience. The upcoming funeral scheduled for Friday, April 4 will provide an opportunity for loved ones to pay their respects and commemorate the life of the promising teen who left a lasting impact on those around him.

The heartbreaking loss of Riggin Cole Schaffer serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with extending a helping hand on the roadways. His selfless act of kindness, resulting in tragedy, underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of staying cautious even in moments of goodwill. As the community mourns the loss of a cherished member, the legacy of Riggin’s altruism and passion will live on, inspiring others to approach life with the same zeal and generosity that defined his character.