Hot Springs Village Chef in Critical Condition

By Cheryl Dowden, April 8, 2021

Keegan Richards is at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in intensive care

On April 1, 2021, Keegan Richards was in a one-car accident near the intersection of Calella Road and Santa Maria Road in Hot Springs Village. He lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree. He was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from his convertible. Below is information that was copied from his Go Fund Me account. Keegan’s sister, Kassie DeRosier, initiated this fundraiser. Kassie said:

“On April 1, 2021, my brother Keegan was in a horrible car accident and was ejected from the car. He suffered a broken chest plate, punctured both his lungs, has many broken ribs, and his main artery was torn in 2 places. Keegan is still on a ventilator. Keegan suffered a major stroke and has permanent brain damage. We are not sure how long Keegan will be in the ICU, as he had to have part of his skull removed to relieve his brain swelling off of his brain stem. If you are able, we would really appreciate any help we can get and it will be used to help the family stay nearby so we can get to the hospital within minutes in case things change, as the situation is still unpredictable. He will be there 3-4 months (that we know of, and that’s with progression and no more incidents). Please pray for Keegan and our family, we are having a rough time, and feel like we are stuck in a nightmare. Keegan would give the shirt off his back for other people, and he is loved by so many. Keegan has a very long, hard road ahead of him, but  is a determined guy, I think he will do all the things they say he will not, just to prove them wrong.” 

Thirty-one-year-old Keegan is employed at Melinda’s full-service coffee bar and cafe, which is located outside gates on Highway 7. Keegan was born in Texas but has lived in Arkansas most of his life. He has a culinary background and was co-owner of Sweet Cheeks Bakery before accepting the position as chef and kitchen manager at Melinda’s.

Sweet Cheeks Bakery was also located outside the Village gates but was a casualty of COVID-19. They served a variety of homemade goods, including donuts, cakes, and many other types of tempting sweet treats.

Alanna Owen, co-owner of Melinda’s Cafe and Coffee said, “Keegan is such a sweet guy and will do anything for anybody. He has worked for us since August of 2020.”

Keegan’s mother, Melissa Massey, resides in Texarkana, Arkansas along with his sister, Kassie, and his brother, Kameron Richards. The family is currently staying in Little Rock so they can be on hand. A week after the accident, Keegan remains unconscious.

Kassie said, “We can’t begin to express how much it means to us to receive all the love and help from people who loved Keegan. This means more to our family than you will ever know. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and thoughts as we navigate through this difficult time.”

Here is a link to the fundraiser for Keegan which will be used to cover eventual transportation to a rehabilitation facility located closer to his family and other necessary expenses. Thank you in advance for assisting Keegan and his family.

Click here to visit Keegan’s Go Fund Me

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