Local man killed in two-vehicle accident in Oregon

Another tragedy has taken the life of a young Stockton man as a result of a vehicle accident and shocked this community once again. It was three months to the day after the last accident took a young man’s life.

Richard Schleicher, age 24, of Stockton, Kan., who was scheduled to compete at the Pendleton Round-Up, died in a crash Thursday, September 16, in eastern Oregon while on his way to the bull riding event. Two other bull riders who were also contestants at the same event, were seriously injured, according to Oregon State Police.

Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 193 in Umatilla County approximately 8:15 p.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed a Volkswagon Jetta, operated by Jate Frost, age 20, of Randlett, Utah, was traveling eastbound when it rear ended a commercial motor vehicle which was fully loaded with potatoes and operated by Ediberto Ramirez Carrillo, age 31, of Hermiston.

Frost sustained serious injuries and was flown via Life Flight to Kadlec Medical Center in Richardland, Wash. Schleicher, who was a right front passenger in the Jetta, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The rear seat passenger in the Jetta, Jesse Hopper, age 21, of Magnum, Okla., sustained serious injuries and was transported to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Ramirez Carrillo was not injured.

Oregon State Police was assisted by Echi Fire Department, Umatilla County Fire District #1, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Department, Stanfield Police Department and Oregon Department of Transportation.

Word of the tragedy began to reach the people in Stockton early Friday morning and it wasn’t long before many expressions of sadness from friends and fellow rodeo circuit riders flooded social media.

A Facebook post from PRCA ProRodeo bull rider, Cole Fischer read in part, “I have been at a loss for words this morning. Richard Schleicher, we had a great time yesterday and I can’t believe it will be our last. Not in a million years did I think that’d be the last time you’d ever pull my rope, the last time I’d see that smile, the conversation we had while sitting on my bull waiting. I will cherish our times forever. You are an inspiration, one hell of a bull hand and my friend. Gonna miss you, pal. I know you’ll be looking down on all of us. I love you, Bub. RIP Cowboy.”

All three men were bull riders visiting Oregon for the state’s biggest annual rodeo which was being held September 11-18.

Schleicher, son of Harold and Debra Schleicher of Stockton, was a 2015 graduate of Stockton High School.

Richard started his bull riding career as a small kid, mutton busting and riding steers and competing at little Britches Rodeos and junior high rodeos.

But by the age of twelve, he quit. He was burned out and tired of the travel. Two months shy of his nineteenth birthday, he got his PRCA permit, and since then, had been competing at as many rodeos as he could.

During his time on the rodeo circuit, he had his share of injuries, some of which included torn ankle ligaments, broken the radius and ulna bones in his right wrist, torn his groin, and had concussions.

In a story written by Dusty Deines in July 2019 titled, “The Love of Riding Bulls,” Schleicher stated  he was pleased because he was finally making money at riding bulls. But whether he was making money or not, he loves it. He thrives on the competition. “I hate losing,” he said. The adrenaline rush is still there, but after four years of competition, it’s lessened. “When I started riding better,” he said, “I got a lot more calm,” the article stated.

Schleicher had attended and competed in many bull riding competitions during his time as a rider, one of which was Kansas Biggest Rodeo in Phillipsburg.

Kansas Biggest Rodeo posted this statement following the death of Schleicher: “Our condolences to the family of Richard Schleicher, who passed away in a car accident last night. He was a bull rider who lived in Stockton and competed at our rodeo many times.”

Bull rider Ryley Lane said, “Rest in peace, Richard Schleicher. I remember the day we met in Kansas. The mud had to have been at least a foot deep. But I gained a good friend that day. You always had a way of making people believe in themselves and always put a smile on anyone’s face. I’m gonna miss you man.”

And for all who knew Richard and are hurting following his loss, you can take comfort from this Facebook post from Ride Tough Rodeo Ministries. It reads in part, “Richard was a Kansas bull rider I had gotten to know over these years behind the chutes. We messaged and enjoyed catching up when we met up at rodeos. It was a joy to see him off this year’s riding and putting up scores at some of the larger PRCA rodeos. We had quite a few conversations over the past few years, and Richard spoke about placing his faith in Jesus as Savior. He’d frequent the page here and sometimes share posts and other material. He was a young man chasing a dream, and while I’m saddened it ended here so tragically, I know that today Richard knows more about Jesus than any of us. I’ll miss his sense of humor and sincerity. I’m sad for all these guys I love. Losing a brother hurts. God bless you, Richard. I pray He holds near your family and all who loved you until we see you again.”

A Celebration of Life will be held this Saturday, September 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the Webster State Park Townsite/Swim Beach.

Memorials are suggested to Richard Schleicher Memorial Fund to be designated by the family at a later date. Those memorials can be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 North First, Stockton, KS 67669.