It’s been nearly three weeks since a 13-year-old in Merced was tragically hit and killed by a train on after school.
“He was the best person I’ve ever known,” said Mancera’s friend Robert Womack.
On Wednesday Hoover Middle School held a carnival. Some of the proceeds went toward Mancera’s funeral arrangements. His friends describe him as a good friend with an infectious smile, a Marvel fan, and a skilled wrestler.
“He was the best. Out of all of us,” said Womack.
Also on Wednesday, the school held a memorial service and one by one students gave hugs to Mancera’s family. They also wrote personal notes on biodegradable dove-shaped balloons and released them in his honor.
“He will be horribly missed. I could see him as doing really really well and I’m very sad he won’t be able to fulfill his potential,” said Mancera’s science teacher Sharon DeMers.
Mancera was reportedly wearing headphones at the time of the accident. Teachers and staff continue to remind students to be safe around the train tracks to prevent a tragic accident like this from happening again.
The school dedicated a tree to Mancera on campus and plans to add a plaque with his name in the coming weeks.
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