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. “Raider Nation, we are sad to share the news of the passing of one of our own, Coach Noel Lopez. For more information on Coach Lopez’s death check out the Sept. 24 edition of the Colorado County Citizen.