(Area) Emergency responders and the public lined overpasses along Interstate, paying their respects for the fallen Fremont County Deputy, whose body was returned by motorcade to Hamburg on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson was killed on Tuesday afternoon when the 2020 Tahoe he was driving collided with a combine on Highway 275 near 260th Street.
According to the accident report, a John Deere S770 combine with dual front tires, driven by James Groff, age 64, of Rock Port, Missouri, was traveling southbound in the same area. The combine was wider than the width of the southbound lane, and the left front dual tire was left of center in the northbound lane. Deputy Richardson collided with the front dual tire of the combine, causing the vehicle to skid sideways and roll several times. Deputy Richardson was killed as a result of the collision.
The accident remains under investigation.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office escorted Deputy Austin “Melvin” Richardson from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Interstate 80 to Interstate 29 south to the Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg.
The Sheriff’s Office asked the public to please not join the escort but was welcome to the route and overpasses.
A vehicle display is located at the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, where the public can pay their respects. Cards and momentos left will be given to the family.
At this time, there is not a verified Go Fund Me or other donation locations. The Sheriff’s Office will advise when one is set up.
(Photo: Courtesy of Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon)
