A high school football star was tragically killed riding an e-scooter to practice just one day before his 15th birthday.
Hundreds gathered on the football field of Fresno’s Sunnyside High School on Wednesday night to pay tribute to Robert Peele, who was struck after riding into the path of a white sedan near the school just before 6 p.m. Friday.
Robert was taken to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries. Police are still investigating the crash.
On Wednesday, the crowd gathered to honor the teen released balloons into the sky in a heartbreaking remembrance ceremony.
“It’s good to see the turnout like all these people who loved him just like we loved him,” Robert’s mother, Nicole, told ABC 30.
The grieving mom said Robert’s family lovingly nicknamed the popular football star “Budda.”
His older brother, Sammie Little, said the family was devastated.
“All this love and support that we’re getting right now, this is what’s really keeping us going,” he told the outlet.
Robert’s mother said he was an inexperienced rider and was not wearing a helmet while riding during one of the hottest days of the summer.
“He’s only rode the scooter twice,” she said. “It wasn’t even his.”
The teen’s football coach rushed to the scene when he learned of the deadly collision just outside the school grounds.
“When we saw him get into the ambulance and send off, we were just praying and hoping,” said Sunnyside Varsity Head Football Coach Giovanni Guzman. “We had to come back to practice because the boys didn’t know about it.”
The teen’s coach expressed regret for a young life that ended too soon.
“He’s never going to live to do some of the things we get to live; put on that helmet, put on those pads, run out that tunnel in front of a crowd,” Guzman said. “He’ll never get to step onto the field. I feel like it’s our responsibility and our duty to live through him.”
Robert’s teammates took a knee in prayer after learning about the horrific crash, Guzman said.
The teen’s friend, Rico Brown, did not leave Robert’s side as he valiantly fought for his life in a hospital bed.
“His last days on earth I spent with him in the hospital. I stayed overnight with him,” the friend said. “I was telling him how much I love him and how everybody else loves him.”
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