In the quiet community of West Fargo, North Dakota, a successful human resources executive's life was cut tragically short. Sharon Connell-Rick, a 44-year-old Caucasian female, died in her home on May 31, 2015. Her death, initially described as unexpected, was later determined by authorities to be the result of a murder-suicide.
Friends and family remembered Sharon as a vibrant and energetic woman, a dedicated mother to her two children, a son and a daughter.
She was known for her "spirit and spunk" and her deep love for her family. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a master's degree from North Dakota State University, she had built a successful career, rising to the position of senior vice president of human resources for TMI Hospitality Group. Her professional life also included time as the vice president of human resources for Essentia Health's west region and positions at American Crystal Sugar Company.
The circumstances surrounding her death pointed to a grim conclusion. Investigations by the West Fargo Police Department revealed that Sharon was a victim of gun violence. The case that shocked the community involved another individual, identified as the suspect in her death, who subsequently took his own life. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that this was an isolated incident, and there were no further threats to the public. In the end, no arrests were made as the sole suspect was deceased.
