Rest in Peace Noel aka STR @Hanzo aka imtbtrails @Poofighter

Edit...
(I have edited this as it is confirmed)
All,
Noel aka @Poofighter past away mountain biking in Laguna today. I have absolutely no details other than he did not crash and get injured, but had a health issued that resulted in a crash.
I heard this from another imtb’er here in a PM so I’m not going to share any of his details unless he chooses to share.

I am absolutely heart broken right now and I just want to lift up his family in prayer.

If anyone that may have details, please share.
Noel was a great dude. I’m struggling, this is horrible...

R.I.P. my fellow Mountain Biker.

Mikie

 

Damn.

 

Holy Sh!t I hope you are wrong. OMG -that absolutely sucks if it's true. Damn.

 

I hope I am wrong as well...

 

So sorry to hear this news.

 

Oh no....hope your wrong too. Met him on the trail a while ago, super nice guy. He told me why he chose poofighter as the handle.

 

Prayers to @Poofighter and Family. Time to ride and introspect.

 

Terrible news!

 

Not again...

 

????

 

I am checking with some Laguna locals and Laguna Canyon Foundation. So far no one had heard anything other than a possible cardiac event in Crystal Cove/El Moro. Unconfirmed second hand information.

 

Too many people have died mtbkin....

 

Oh no! Awful, Horrible

Prayers all around, family, loved ones, friends.

 

Is this the same Noel that went by Hanzo on STR?

 

Yes..I’ve got the same info as u all. How I wish this was not true. A great guy, friend, father, husband... heart has sunk

 

Prayers. Prayers. Prayers. And maybe a few choked back tears.

 

I’m in a Sunday funk...

 

Sad news. Prayers sent.

 

I'll do an intro in another post but thought I wanted to confirm that this is sadly true. I was the one who informed Mikie yesterday.
Noel aka Hanzo aka Poofighter passed away while riding in Laguna. I received a text that morning asking if I was in the area and if I wanted to meet up right where Bommer and Willow intersect to hit TnA. I typically ride an hour earlier than him and provided my "Share Location" function. I received another text from him that he just vomited and was going to head home. I'm not sure what trail he was on but most likely Bommer since he parks his car around Coastal Peak Park. I'm trying to get more info from another rider who was with him. I heard it was instant. He rode off to the side of the trail and crashed. No pulse, they tried to resuscitate until paramedics arrive. The hospital confirmed his passing.
I stopped riding for a good two to three years and if it wasn't for Noel's friendly nature, I would not have started up again during the start of this pandemic. His patience with a heart of gold will be missed.

 

So saddened to read this. Just got up and gave my wife and son a big hug and they wondered why. Prayers to the family and those close to Noel...

 

Prayers to his family. Very sad news.

 

Sh!t. Thank you for posting. I am speechless.

 

.....................

 

We were just chatting with him Thursday in the Rossage Down Thread. So sad... Had to wait till morning to tell my wife, treasure every day.

 

This is beyond shocking. I had the pleasure of meeting Noel recently when he stopped by my house to pick up a tire, super nice guy. My heart hurts for his family and friends.

 

So tragic. Prayers up for his family and friends.

 

I remember his commenting on that one specifically.

 

Never met the guy, but so sad to hear about his passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Life is a blessing, tell your love ones you love them! we never know when we go.

 

My condolences

 

I been in a funk since I saw thread last night...
Prayers for Noel and his family...