Angel De La Cruz was shot on Highway 180 in Fresno County on July 11, 2026.
SPECIAL TO THE BEE
A Fresno-area volleyball coach and mentor is receiving an outpouring of support after being seriously injured in a shooting on Highway 180.
Those who know Angel De La Cruz describe him as someone whose personality “lights up every room.” According to the California Highway Patrol, the 22-year-old from Reedley was driving on 180 near McCall Avenue on July 11 when he was shot in his right eye. He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center and remains in critical condition.
“He’s a vibrant and joyous person,” said Edgar Baltazar, the boys volleyball coach at Immanuel High School where De La Cruz is on staff.
“He’s got this infectious smile that never goes unnoticed. Everyone in the volleyball community knows him. He’s a great athlete, but more importantly, he’s a great mentor.”
Baltazar said De La Cruz has impacted many young athletes, not only by teaching volleyball, but by sharing his faith and helping players navigate challenges.
“He’s poured so much into our players,” he said. “He’s taught them about God and about life. A lot of our athletes are really hurting because of what happened.”
On Saturday, July 18, a suspect in the shooting was arrested and booked into the Fresno County jail on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
For those around De La Cruz, his recovery remains their focus. With continued prayers, Baltazar, who is a pastor at Redeemer’s Church in Reedley, believes his friend will be OK.
The two have worked together for about three years after first meeting when De La Cruz was a senior volleyball player at Reedley High.
“I told him after high school, ‘If you want to come coach, let’s do it,’” Baltazar recalled. “That’s how it all started.”
The community has also supported De La Cruz and his family, with fundraising events planned in the coming weeks.
On July 25, supporters will host a car wash at Redeemer’s Church, where organizers expect a large turnout.
On Aug. 1, Immanuel High will host a co-ed four-on-four indoor volleyball tournament, with all proceeds benefiting De La Cruz and his family.
“He loved playing in tournaments,” Baltazar said. “It just seemed right to hold one in his honor.”
A GoFundMe account has also been set up.
Angel De La Cruz was shot on Highway 180 in Fresno County on July 11, 2026. SPECIAL TO THE BEE
This story was originally published July 20, 2026 at 2:29 PM.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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