Coco Hicks Obituary — Lynchburg, Virginia Student-Athlete Dies in Car Accident
Lynchburg, Virginia / North Carolina — The Lynchburg and Rustburg communities are mourning the tragic loss of Coco Hicks, a talented student-athlete and devoted member of the Lynchburg Home School Association (LHSAA) Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team, who passed away following a fatal car accident. Coco, a 2026 graduate, was remembered by family, friends, coaches, and teammates for her dedication to athletics, her academic commitment, and her vibrant spirit.
Coco Hicks, a native of Rustburg, Virginia, played for LHSAA’s Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team from 2022 through 2025. Wearing jersey number 3 and excelling in the positions of Libero (L) and Setter (S), Coco quickly became a standout player known for her agility, teamwork, and leadership on the court. Her performance and commitment earned admiration from her coaches, teammates, and the local athletic community.
As a student-athlete, Coco balanced rigorous academics with her passion for volleyball. She demonstrated determination, discipline, and resilience both in the classroom and on the court, qualities that distinguished her among her peers. Beyond her athletic abilities, Coco was celebrated for her sportsmanship, kindness, and positive influence on those around her, consistently inspiring younger players and teammates to pursue excellence.
Coco’s tragic passing occurred due to a car accident in Lynchburg, Virginia, a loss that has left her family and community in profound grief. Local authorities responded promptly to the scene, and emergency services confirmed her death. While details of the accident remain under investigation, friends, family, and teammates are honoring her memory and celebrating her life, emphasizing the impact she had on the local sports community.
Coach and mentor to Coco Hicks expressed deep sorrow at her untimely passing, highlighting her dedication and leadership: “Coco was more than a remarkable athlete; she was a bright, compassionate young woman whose love for volleyball and for her teammates was evident every day. She pushed herself and others to be better, both on and off the court. Her loss is deeply felt by our team, our school, and the entire community.”
Coco Hicks’ influence extended beyond her high school team. Her engagement with community events, volunteer activities, and mentoring of younger athletes demonstrated her commitment to fostering growth, positivity, and collaboration. Those who knew Coco describe her as empathetic, approachable, and full of life, with a smile and energy that lit up every room she entered.
The volleyball community, including LHSAA and Rustburg-area sports programs, has issued statements expressing condolences to the Hicks family. Tributes note her competitive spirit, commitment to her team, and her unwavering dedication to achieving excellence in all endeavors. Coco’s teammates recall her as a reliable leader on the court, always encouraging collaboration and mutual support, and as a cherished friend off the court, always willing to lend a listening ear or offer encouragement.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are being coordinated by the family, with details expected to be announced publicly to allow friends, teammates, and community members to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Coco Hicks’ memory to youth sports programs, volleyball scholarships, or local student-athlete development initiatives, honoring her legacy of dedication, mentorship, and athletic excellence.
Coco Hicks’ life, though tragically brief, exemplified the qualities of a committed student-athlete, leader, and community member. Her achievements on the volleyball court, her positive influence on peers, and her dedication to academic and personal growth will be remembered by the Lynchburg and Rustburg communities, as well as by friends and family in North Carolina, where she spent meaningful time with loved ones.
As the community mourns her passing, Coco Hicks’ legacy endures through the lives she touched, the young athletes she inspired, and the spirit of excellence and camaraderie she fostered. The loss of this bright and talented student-athlete is deeply felt across Lynchburg, Rustburg, and the broader student-athlete community, serving as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of honoring those we have lost.
Coco Hicks will be remembered as a dedicated athlete, compassionate friend, and beloved member of her community. Her memory will remain a guiding inspiration for students, athletes, and residents of Lynchburg, Rustburg, and beyond.
