Eric Richins Obituary: Utah Woman Arrested for Killing Husband, Who is Kouri Richins?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated May 10, 2023
Eric Richins Obituary
In loving memory of Eric Richins, of Henefer, Utah, it is with profound sorrow that we announce his passing on March 4, 2022, at the tender age of 39. During this difficult time, we invite family and friends to express their condolences and share cherished memories on this memorial page. Eric was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Linda Richins (Carter).
He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in the hearts of those he touched. He is survived by his father, Gene Richins, who held a special place in Eric's life. Eric's memory will forever be treasured by his adoring sons, Ashton and Weston, who were a constant source of joy and inspiration to him. He held a deep affection for his grandparents, H. Lamont, Althea Richins (Ferguson), and Charles Carter, who provided unwavering support and guidance throughout his life.
Eric was united in marriage with his cherished wife, Kouri Richins (Darden), and their bond was one of enduring love and commitment. Together, they shared countless cherished moments and built a foundation of love and unity.
Utah Woman Arrested for Killing Husband
Kouri Darden Richins, a mother of three who authored a children's book addressing the topic of dealing with loss, was taken into custody on Monday, May 8. She now faces charges of murdering her husband, Eric Richins, whom she had been married to for almost nine years, in March 2022. Approximately one month prior to her arrest, Kouri had appeared on Good Things Utah, participating in an interview centered around her book.
During the interview, she provided background information on her husband's untimely passing, explaining that it had caught their entire family off guard. In an effort to assist her children in coping with their profound loss, Kouri collaborated with them to create the book. Her three boys, aged six to ten, were actively involved in the process.
Kouri expressed her motivation behind the project, mentioning that she had undertaken extensive research to comprehend not only her own grieving process as a wife and widow but also to find ways to support and guide her children through their own understanding of the tragedy. When queried about the relatively short timeframe within which she managed to process her husband's death and produce the book, Kouri shared her personal struggle of seeking resources to aid her family during the challenging nights, which proved to be the most difficult periods.
She disclosed her unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable story to read to her children before bedtime, ultimately inspiring her to fill that void with her own creation. In light of recent events, the circumstances surrounding Kouri's arrest cast a different light on her previous public statements. The investigation and legal proceedings will unfold to shed further light on the matter.
Who is Kouri Richins?
Kouri Richins, a real estate agent and writer based in Utah, was born on April 20, 1990. She is renowned as the author of the children's book titled "Are You With Me?"
"Are You With Me?" delves into sensitive themes of grief, loss, and death, specifically focusing on the experience of a child who has lost their father. In the poignant story, the child's mother imparts the comforting message that although the father is physically no longer present, his spirit will forever remain. Kouri drew her inspiration for this book from her own personal journey.
Tragically, her husband Eric Richins, aged 39, passed away unexpectedly the previous year. Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of his untimely departure, which fell on March 4th, Kouri shared that the sudden loss had come as a profound shock to their family. With three young boys aged 10, nine, and six, Kouri embarked on the writing endeavor as a means to navigate the complex emotions and challenges they faced as a result of their shared loss.
Through "Are You With Me?" Kouri Richins offers solace and understanding to young readers who may be grappling with the profound impact of losing a loved one. Her book stands as a testament to her resilience and compassion, providing a source of comfort and support for children and families facing similar circumstances.
"My kids and I kind of wrote this book on the different emotions and grieving processes that we’ve experienced in the last year, hoping that it can help other kids, you know, with this and, you know, find happiness some way or another. I just wanted some story to read to my kids at night. I took some things that my kids have said to me in the last year and we kind of articulated it and put it in a story."
What Happened to Kouri's Husband Eric Richins?
Tragically, on March 4, 2022, Eric Richins was discovered deceased at his family's residence, with the cause of death determined to be a fentanyl overdose. Recent developments have revealed that on May 8, 2023, Kouri, Eric's wife, was taken into custody in connection with his untimely passing. The court has charged her with first-degree aggravated murder and second-degree possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
According to official court documents, Kouri herself contacted emergency services on the night of Eric's death. Her police statement details that the couple had been celebrating Kouri's successful closure of a property deal when she prepared a Moscow mule for Eric. The drink was consumed by Eric while he was seated in bed in their shared bedroom. At the time, the only individuals present in the house were Kouri, Eric, and their children.
Kouri further recounted that she subsequently retired to bed, joining one of their children in their bedroom due to the child experiencing a night terror. Regrettably, the night took a tragic turn as Eric's life was cut short. Investigators have reportedly obtained alleged text messages between Kouri and an unidentified acquaintance, which seemingly indicate her solicitation of fentanyl from the mentioned individual.
These distressing events have cast a somber light on the circumstances surrounding Eric Richins' passing. As the legal process unfolds, further information will emerge, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Are You With Me Book
Kouri Richins, a mother of three from Utah, published the children's book "Are You With Me." The book focuses on helping children cope with the sudden loss of a husband and father. It was released on March 5, precisely one year after Eric's untimely passing. The timing of Kouri's arrest occurred two months after she appeared on local television to promote "Are You With Me." This picture book was specifically written by Kouri to provide support and solace for children dealing with the death of a loved one.
"Are You With Me" aims to create a sense of peace and comfort for children who have experienced the loss of a close family member. It seeks to reassure them that although their loved one is physically absent, their presence and love continue to exist in their hearts. While Kouri Richins' book initially sought to offer guidance and support to children grappling with grief, her recent charges have shed a distressing light on her personal circumstances. It is a stark contrast to the message of resilience and strength conveyed in her written work.
Amidst the unfolding events, the book "Are You With Me" remains a poignant resource for children who have faced the pain of loss and for parents seeking to provide comfort and understanding during challenging times. It's worth noting that the references to Kevin Boyle, a human rights lawyer, and the reviews from a book community are unrelated to Kouri Richins and her book "Are You With Me."
Eric Richins Obituary - FAQs
"Are You With Me" is a children's book written by Kouri Richins. It addresses the topic of coping with the sudden death of a husband and father. The book aims to provide comfort and support to children who have experienced such a loss.
The book "Are You With Me" was published on March 5, one year after the passing of Kouri Richins' husband, Eric.
Kouri Richins was arrested and charged with first-degree aggravated murder and second-degree possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute in connection with the death of her husband, Eric Richins. The specific details surrounding the case are still under investigation.
Despite the circumstances surrounding the author, "Are You With Me" remains a resource that may provide support and understanding for children who have experienced the pain of loss. However, it is important for parents and caregivers to consider the context and make their own informed decisions.