‘Beloved’ softball player who didn’t make practice died in crash, Utah college says
A college softball player known for making “others feel loved” died after she was in a crash on a highway in Utah, university officials said.
Paige Rydalch, 20, a sophomore from Stockton, was driving on State Road 132 when she was involved in a two-vehicle crash on Jan. 16, according to a news release from the Utah Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened at around 9:57 a.m., according to the release.
The Snow College athletics department reported Rydalch missing after she didn’t show up for practice, according to ABC 4.
“This has shocked and saddened our softball family. We know Paige, and we love her. She was a dedicated player who always put in the extra mile,” said Rob Nielson, Snow College’s vice president for external affairs who helped coach the softball team in the past, according to a news release by the college. “She made others feel loved and had a work ethic like no other.”
Officials said Rydalch was driving a Chevy Cavalier when she lost control on a road described as “wet and slushy.”
The car spun backward on the road and into the lane of a Ford F-360 with a large gooseneck, flatbed trailer attached to it, officials said.
Utah officials said the other driver wasn’t able to stop in time and the Ford’s front bumper impacted the Chevy’s front end. Rydalch was killed on impact.
Rydalch was a graduate of Tooele High School and enjoyed riding horses, chasing cows, camping and fishing, according to her biography on the Snow College athletics website. A GoFundMe set up for her family said she was pursuing a nursing degree.
“A tragedy like this impacts all of us.” Snow College President Stacee McIff said. “We are grieving the loss of a beloved young woman. We will do all we can to support Paige’s coaches, teammates, classmates, and family during this difficult time.”
The Badgers softball team said it will be dedicating the season to Rydalch “in honor of the way she lived her life on and off the field,” according to the college’s release.
This story was originally published January 18, 2023 at 11:17 AM with the headline "‘Beloved’ softball player who didn’t make practice died in crash, Utah college says."