Cheyenne Rashotte Car Accident – It is with profound sorrow that we report the tragic passing of Cheyenne Grace Rashotte, a vibrant 17-year-old from Richmond, Michigan, who died unexpectedly in a car accident on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Cheyenne’s untimely death has left her family, friends, and community in deep mourning as they remember her for the joy and positivity she radiated during her short but impactful life.
Born on September 14, 2007, in Anchorage, Alaska, Cheyenne was the beloved daughter of Kirstin McDonald. From a young age, Cheyenne exhibited qualities that would come to define her life: an infectious energy, a compassionate heart, and a natural ability to bring warmth to everyone she encountered. Whether she was offering a smile or lending a hand, Cheyenne’s presence was a source of light for those around her. Her personality shone brightly, making her loved by all who met her.
Cheyenne was known not only for her kindness but also for her immense empathy and desire to help others. She was the type of person who instinctively knew when someone needed support, whether it was cheering on a teammate during a game or comforting a friend going through a tough time. Her ability to connect with people, and her willingness to help others, made her a cherished figure in the lives of many.
A dedicated student and athlete, Cheyenne had a passion for softball, which allowed her to build lifelong friendships and showcase her team spirit. Off the field, Cheyenne demonstrated the same drive and determination. She was actively pursuing a career in healthcare and had enrolled in nursing school with the ambition of becoming an anesthesiologist. Her commitment to this path was evident in her job-shadowing experiences at local hospitals, where she quickly gained a reputation for her innate caregiving abilities. Her dedication to learning and her eagerness to help others suggested she was destined to make a lasting impact in the medical field.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Cheyenne found fulfillment in giving back to her community. She worked at Finn’s, a local business, and consistently volunteered her time to help those in need. Her strong work ethic and her desire to improve the lives of those around her were central to who she was, making her loss even more devastating for the people who knew her.
Cheyenne is survived by her loving parents, Kirstin and Keith McDonald, and her sisters, Maci and Addisynn McDonald. She also leaves behind her grandparents, John and Lisa Ally, and Keith A. McDonald (Diana), as well as great-grandparents Michael and Rose Loomis. In addition, Cheyenne is mourned by her aunts and uncles, including Angie (Will) Rumley, Cody (Kristin) McDonald, and Tim (Chessie) Ally, and her cousins, Brayden, Westin, Gage, Londyn, and Bentley. Her family is also comforted by the memory of her late father, Lucas Rashotte, whose legacy Cheyenne carried with her throughout her life.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors in Richmond, Michigan. The funeral service, celebrating Cheyenne’s life, will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the same location.
Although Cheyenne’s time with us was tragically brief, her impact on the world was immeasurable. She will be remembered for her boundless kindness, her deep empathy, and the love she shared with all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her bright spirit.