A community in mourning
The quiet streets of Fresno were shattered on a Friday evening when a 14‑year‑old high school football standout was hit by a white sedan while riding an e‑scooter to practice. The collision occurred just before 6 p.m. near Sunnyside High School, a block from the campus that would soon become a makeshift memorial.
Emergency responders rushed the teen to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries despite intensive care. The driver of the sedan remained at the scene, cooperating with investigators as they tried to determine how the tragedy unfolded.
Coach Giovanni Guzman, who had watched the youngster develop on the field, expressed his sorrow, calling the loss “unthinkable” for the program and for the broader community that had come to admire the teen’s talent and spirit.
Hundreds of classmates and neighbors gathered on the school’s football field, taking a knee in prayer as they honored the memory of the teen, who was affectionately called “Budda” by his family. The crowd lit candles and shared stories of his infectious laugh and relentless work ethic.
Robert’s mother, Nicole Peele, described her son as a beloved brother and son, recalling the nickname and the close bond he shared with his older brother, Sammie Little, who spoke of the family’s devastation and gratitude for the community’s support. Friends such as Rico Brown stayed by Robert’s side in the hospital, offering comfort in his final moments.
Authorities have indicated that the teen was an inexperienced e‑scooter rider and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The investigation continues as officials piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.