Lincoln County remembers Nunez’s humor and love for life

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- It’s a sad day in Lincoln County as people grieve the death of a student involved in a Tennessee car crash but people are trying to remember the happy times to get through that grief.

Lincoln County High School says Ricardo Nunez, a senior, was coming home from a Labor Day weekend trip to Florida with friends, when the car crashed. Knoxville Police say he was in the backseat and thrown from the car.

He died Tuesday afternoon. A vigil Wednesday night in Lincoln County honored Nunez. Day-to-day, Lincoln County’s football venue goes by the name, Death Valley. Thursday though, was a celebration of life as classmates, friends, family and strangers fill bleachers to remember Ricardo Nunez.

Ask anyone about Nunez, you’ll likely hear about his joy for life and ability to make others laugh. “He took a great pride in being funny and lighting people’s days and we really appreciate him and what he stood for,” says one speaker, leading the group in prayer.

“Ricardo is a special person,” says his uncle, in the midst of the mourners.

It’s one way many choose to remember Nunez. Another is something more concrete or metal rather.

“It feels pretty good knowing that so many people care to sign,” says Alex Taylor, a classmate of Nunez’s. His plasma cut steel continues to collect signatures. It’s in the shape of a heart and reads, “Forever In Our Hearts.”

“It’s community, show how much people care everyone can come together when somebody’s mourning,” says Taylor.