Friends, athletes and church members are supporting Angel De La Cruz as he faces a long recovery from a shooting.
REEDLEY, Calif. — A network of friends, athletes and church members is rallying around a 22-year-old volleyball coach who remains hospitalized after being shot during a suspected road rage encounter on Highway 180.
Angel De La Cruz suffered life-threatening injuries and lost his right eye after the July 11 shooting in Fresno County. As investigators pursued the case, supporters gathered at the hospital, organized fundraising efforts and offered help to his family. A suspect was arrested six days after the shooting, allowing De La Cruz’s loved ones to focus more fully on his medical recovery.
De La Cruz was returning home from a volleyball tournament with two friends when their vehicle became involved in what the California Highway Patrol called a traffic-related altercation with the driver of a blue Honda. The confrontation ended with De La Cruz being shot near Highway 180 and McCall Avenue shortly before 10 p.m.
Family friend Edgar Baltazar said De La Cruz had been doing nothing more than trying to get home when the encounter turned violent. Baltazar visited him in the hospital and said it was difficult to see the energetic young coach in critical condition.
De La Cruz serves as an assistant boys’ volleyball coach at Immanuel High School. Friends said his influence extends beyond practices and games because he takes time to encourage players and others around him. His work with young athletes has brought members of the local volleyball community into the effort to support him.
He is also active at Redeemer’s Church in Reedley, where friends said he is known for his positive attitude and willingness to help others. Baltazar said the size of the gathering in the hospital waiting room showed how many people had been affected by De La Cruz’s kindness.
Supporters held a car wash to help with expenses and planned another fundraiser for July 25. An online fundraiser was also established for De La Cruz and his family. Friends said the response reflected the same generosity that De La Cruz had shown to others before the shooting.
The case initially prompted a public appeal for information and a $3,000 reward from Valley Crime Stoppers. CHP detectives later identified 23-year-old Devin Shane Atondo of Sanger as the suspected shooter. Officers arrested him July 17 after spotting a Honda believed to have been used in the attack.
Atondo was booked into the Fresno County Jail on allegations that included attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The accusations have not been proven in court, and authorities have not released a full account of what caused the traffic dispute.
De La Cruz remained hospitalized when the arrest was announced. His loved ones said the arrest eased one source of fear, but uncertainty about his condition and recovery continued as the community prepared further support for him and his family.
Author note: Last updated July 21, 2026.