Robert Peele Jr, father of Robert Peele III, who was struck and killed by a vehicle on his way to Sunnyside High School football practice last month, makes the coin flip to honor his son before the start of Sunnyside's home opener against Selma at Sunnyside Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

Robert Peele Jr, father of Robert Peele III, who was struck and killed by a vehicle on his way to Sunnyside High School football practice last month, makes the coin flip to honor his son before the start of Sunnyside’s home opener against Selma at Sunnyside Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026.

CRAIG KOHLRUSS

ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

Robert Peele III was remembered Thursday at Sunnyside High Stadium before the varsity football game.

The 15-year-old was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter to football practice in late July at Peach and Lane avenues across the street from the southeast Fresno campus.

He died days later at a hospital.

Peele’s family and friends joined the Sunnyside High community on the field.

“Robert was someone people simply loved to be around. His presence could brighten a room and make someone’s day better just by being there. He had so many friends because of the way people were drawn to him and the joy he brought to those around him. Robert also showed tremendous strength. He will be remembered not only for that strength, but for his personality, his friendships, and the lasting impact he made on so many people,” the school wrote.

The family joined team captains at midfield for an honorary coin toss.

Peele would have played on the junior varsity team, which defeated Selma 41-6.

Members of the Sunnyside High School football team are joined by family and friends of Robert Peele III, a Sunnyside High School student who was struck and killed by a vehicle on his way to football practice last month, in a moment of prayer before the start of the Wildcats opener on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. Members of the Sunnyside High School football team are joined by family and friends of Robert Peele III, a Sunnyside High School student who was struck and killed by a vehicle on his way to football practice last month, in a moment of prayer before the start of the Wildcats opener on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com Family members and friends of Robert Peele III, A Sunnyside High School student who was struck and killed by a vehicle on his way to football practice last month, are joined on the football field by the Sunnyside High School community in a moment of silence before the start of the Wildcats opener on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. Family members and friends of Robert Peele III, A Sunnyside High School student who was struck and killed by a vehicle on his way to football practice last month, are joined on the football field by the Sunnyside High School community in a moment of silence before the start of the Wildcats opener on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
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Anthony Galaviz

The Fresno Bee

Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/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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