Community mourns Fowler 15-year-old killed in e-bike crash. ‘He had a lot of heart’
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- Fowler coach Rick Barron remembered Manuel Nolasco for his constant smile and positivity.
- Nolasco died at 15 in an e-bike crash at Rose and Highland avenues in Selma this week.
- Weighed about 100 pounds, Nolasco still wrestled larger opponents in summer practice.
Fowler High wrestling coach Rick Barron will remember Manuel Uriel Hernandez Nolasco for his infectious smile and upbeat personality.
Nolasco, 15, was remembered by family, friends and community members during a vigil Friday in Fowler, days after he died June 16 in an e-bike crash at Rose and Highland avenues in Selma on Tuesday.
Barron said Nolasco maintained a positive attitude no matter what challenges he faced.
“He was always laughing, always joking around. I never saw him mad,” Barron said.
Although Nolasco did not wrestle during the most recent season, he remained involved with the Redcats wrestling program alongside his close friend, Brian Santos. The two became part of the team together and developed a friendship that extended beyond the wrestling mat.
Only weighing about 100 pounds, Nolasco never backed down from a challenge, Barron said. During summer practices against wrestlers from other schools, he often faced opponents who outweighed him by 20 to 30 pounds — a significant disadvantage in a sport where competitors are typically matched by weight class.
“He’d wrestle tough with those guys,” Barron recalled. “Some of them were very skilled, so he’d have difficult matches. But he’d get up and wrestle again. He just never stopped. He had a lot of heart.”
While Nolasco had not yet earned a varsity spot, Barron believed he was on track to do so. The freshman participated in the team’s summer program and demonstrated the determination needed to compete at a higher level.
“It takes a lot to get there, but he had the potential because of the heart he had,” Barron said.
When news of Nolasco’s death reached the wrestling team, Barron said he struggled to process the loss. He first learned of the tragedy through messages from Santos and fellow wrestler Joshandeep Bhullar.
“It’s one of those tragedies you’re never prepared for,” he said.
School leaders and community members worked together to organize Friday’s vigil. Barron praised school administrators for supporting the family and said the Fowler community has rallied around those affected by the loss.
For Barron, Nolasco’s legacy extends far beyond athletics.
“He was one of those really awesome kids you meet that you’re never going to forget,” Barron said. “We’re going to miss him.”
A GoFundMe account was set to help Nolasco’s family.
