FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Hundreds gathered on the football field of Sunnyside High School Wednesday night to remember Robert Peele, their friend, teammate and loved one who died of his injuries after he was hit while riding an e-scooter last week.
Under blue skies peppered with mylar balloons, the crowd coming together in its grief.
“It’s good to see the turnout like all these people who loved him just like we loved him,” said Nicole, Robert’s mother.
His family lovingly referring to him as Budda.
“All this love and support that we’re getting right now, this is what’s really keeping us going,” said Robert’s older brother, Sammie Little.
On July 17, the 15-year-old was riding an e-scooter just before 6 p.m. while on his way to football practice when he was hit by a car at the intersection of Peach and Lane Avenues near Sunnyside High School.
“He’s only rode the scooter twice, so — and it wasn’t even his,” said Nicole.
Fresno Police believe Peele rode into the path of the sedan.
His football coach rushed to the scene when he heard about the crash just outside the school grounds.
“When we saw him get into the ambulance and send off; we were just praying and hoping. We had to come back to practice because the boys didn’t know about it,” said Sunnyside Varsity Head Football Coach Giovanni Guzman.
Robert’s teammates taking a knee in prayer after learning the details about the horrific crash.
“His last days on earth I spent with him in the hospital. I stayed overnight with him. I was telling him how much I love him and how everybody else loves him,” said Robert’s childhood friend, Rico Brown.
Nicole shared that her son was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Robert Peele, Sr. is an avid motorcycle rider and boater. He imparted words of wisdom toward the crowd of young people on Wednesday night.
“It’s very important to wear that helmet, very important — very important,” said Robert’s grandfather Robert Peele, Sr.
“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. He’ll never get to step onto the field. I feel like it’s our responsibility and our duty to live through him,” said Coach Guzman.
Fresno Unified School District will have counselors and psychologists available to students during this difficult time.
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