LINDSAY, CA — A deep sorrow has settled over the town of Lindsay, California, as the community mourns the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Richard Musselman, a beloved husband, friend, and familiar face to many. Richard was tragically killed in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 14, in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver.
Around 2:00 a.m., Richard and his wife Tess Musselman were on their way home from The Green Olive, the local bar where they both worked and spent many joyful nights together. In an instant, a life so full of warmth and love was taken. Richard likely died on impact, while Tess survived the crash with multiple injuries across her body—alongside the unbearable heartbreak of losing her husband of 27 years.
The Green Olive wasn’t just their workplace—it was a second home. Together, Richard and Tess helped create a space where laughter flowed freely and community thrived. From karaoke nights to costume parties, and countless evenings spent serving regulars who became like family, Richard was a fixture behind the bar—known for his quick wit, kind heart, and unmistakable presence.
As news of his passing spread, the outpouring of love and support for Tess has been nothing short of incredible. Her nieces, heartbroken by the tragedy, have stepped forward to help in any way they can. But they aren’t alone. Phone calls, messages, and visits have poured in from all corners of the community, each filled with condolences, love, and one shared question:
“What can we do to help Tess?”
This simple but powerful question reflects the depth of love and unity within the Lindsay community—and how profoundly Richard’s life touched so many. In the days ahead, those who knew Richard and Tess are rallying around her, offering both emotional and financial support, and remembering a man whose presence lit up every room he entered.
Richard Musselman’s life was full of love, laughter, and service to others. Though his time here ended far too soon, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and in every memory shared at The Green Olive and beyond.
Rest in peace, Richard. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.
