Richard Wells Jr. Obituary Lexington, KY — April 9, 2025 — The University of Kentucky community and the world of collegiate baseball are mourning the untimely passing of Richard “Richie” Wells Jr., who died on April 7, 2025, at just 26 years old. A vital member of the UK Baseball program since 2019, Richie served as Assistant Athletic Trainer and was deeply cherished by players, coaches, and staff alike.
Born on September 22, 1998, and raised in the Bronx, New York, Richie was a proud graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School, where his passion for athletics and service first took root. He went on to study at SUNY Cortland and later the University of Kentucky, where his dedication to sports medicine, athlete wellness, and building relationships set him apart.
Richie’s journey took him from New York real estate, with stints at Melia Realty Group and Keller Williams, to the bluegrass fields of Lexington, Kentucky, where he found his true calling in athletic training. His time at the UK was nothing short of impactful. From 2019 through the team’s run to the College World Series, Richie was there, taping ankles, offering encouragement, and bringing an infectious energy to the dugout and beyond.
In a statement shared by Kentucky Baseball, the program reflected on the tremendous loss:
“Richie was special. He was a massive part of our program—from 2019 through our College World Series run—and we already miss him greatly. His spirit, his loyalty, and his love for our players made him more than a trainer; he was family.”
More than a trainer, Richie was a mentor, friend, and trusted confidant. His players knew they could count on him not just for physical support, but for a listening ear and unwavering positivity. With his signature blend of Bronx toughness and Kentucky warmth, Richie bridged backgrounds and brought people together.
“Richie always showed up day in, day out. He loved his job, he loved the guys, and he gave everything he had,” said a member of the Wildcats’ athletic department. “There was no one like him.”
Away from the field, Richie’s charisma was equally magnetic. Friends remember him as the guy who never missed a birthday, who brought joy to every room, and who stayed fiercely loyal to those he cared about. He embodied the heart of both the Bronx and the Big Blue Nation.
Richie’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy—in locker rooms, in friendships, and in the hearts of so many—will live on. He is survived by family, teammates, colleagues, and countless young athletes whose lives he touched through compassion, grit, and love for the game.
Funeral and memorial service details will be shared by the family at a later time.
In Loving Memory
Richard “Richie” Wells Jr.
September 22, 1998 – April 7, 2025
Forever part of the Brotherhood. Forever Big Blue Nation.
