Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Palo Verde students mourn classmate struck by car

In the wake of Richard "Buddy" Hinshaw's death last week, friends and family are left mourning the loss of a 15-year-old boy described as someone who could brighten anyone's day.

"Buddy was the happiest kid you'd ever meet," said Mike Escobar, a 17-year-old senior at Palo Verde High School. "If you were sad or mad about something, Buddy could bring a smile to your face. He'd never get upset at anybody."

Richard, who was a sophomore at Palo Verde, died Nov. 3 on the 215 Beltway near Charleston Boulevard when he was struck by a car.

He and two of his friends were running across the freeway, and although the incident is still under investigation, Escobar said he understood Richard was trying to pick up his skateboard when he was hit. Escobar was not present at the incident.

Just before the lunch bell on Friday, Palo Verde High School held a moment of silence in honor of Richard. His funeral service was held Saturday at Palm Mortuary.

"Our counselors are available to provide any help that students need," said Dan Phillips, principal at Palo Verde High School.

One glance inside Richard's bedroom, Escobar said, and you'll find a wide variety of sports memorabilia. He was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves and their star player Chipper Jones.

Richard also played baseball for Palo Verde and his jersey has been hung up in the team's locker room.

On Nov. 5, which would have been Richard's 16th birthday, several of his family and friends gathered across the street from Palo Verde High School.

Each person wrote a message for Richard on a balloon before releasing it into the sky.

Escobar said Richard's father, Rich Hinshaw, tearfully asked him to set a good example for the rest of his son's friends.

"His father asked me to be strong and take care of the rest of the kids," Mike said. "They were all like brothers, 15 or 16 years old. Buddy was one of those kids who, once you met him, he touched your life."

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].

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