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The Rice Consolidated community is mourning the death of newly appointed softball coach Noel Lopez in a car accident.
The press release came from Rice CISD’s Superintendent Kenny Center and confirmed Lopez’s death.
“It is with deep sadness that we share that Coach Noel Lopez passed away in a tragic vehicle accident this morning,” Center said. “Coach Lopez dedicated 30 years to educating, inspiring, and supporting colleagues, and communities in his career. While this is Coach Lopez’s first year as a Rice Raider, he has already made a lasting impact on his students and was fully invested in the Raider family.”
Rice CISD’s Athletic Director Brad Dumont also shared his thoughts on the death of Coach Lopez.
“Raider Nation, we are sad to share the news of the passing of one of our own, Coach Noel Lopez. His loss is felt deeply throughout our Raider community, and he will be greatly missed. There is no doubt his presence has had a great impact on our students and staff. The Raider community is very saddened and will miss him greatly,” Dumont said.
Center said that counseling and support services will be available to both students and staff as they deal with this loss.
For more information on Coach Lopez’s death check out the Sept. 24 edition of the Colorado County Citizen.
