Oaklanders on Friday continued to mourn a "beloved" educator who was killed Wednesday when he was hit by a driver who was previously being pursued by authorities.
Dr. Marvin Boomer and his partner were walking Wednesday night on a sidewalk in the area of East 21st Street and 12th Avenue when they were struck by the fleeing driver, identified as 18-year-old Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia of Oakland. Boomer died at the scene, and his partner was with was taken to a hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.
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WATCH HEREBoomer worked at Castlemont High School for eight years, first as a math teacher and then as a college and career coach, according to the Oakland Unified School District.
"Dr. Boomer was a beloved and vital member of the Castlemont family...His warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit left a lasting impact on students and fellow educators," the district said in a statement Friday. "We extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this loss. Dr. Boomer was more than a teacher—he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength and inspiration in the halls of Castlemont. His legacy will live on in the school community and in the countless lives he helped shape."
Boomer was killed a day before the end of the school year and two days before graduation.
"Today, the seniors he worked so closely with will walk the stage and receive their diplomas at Castlemont’s Commencement Exercise," the district stated. "School staff, families, and the District will celebrate our students’ accomplishments with love and excitement just as Dr. Boomer always did, while still holding Dr. Boomer and his family in our hearts."
Elijah Washington is one of the many Castlemont High School graduates mourning the loss of Boomer.
"He was a very monumental person at our high school," Washington said. "He was a big inspiration to me, to finish college, to join a fraternity and just do great things in life. So, to hear that happened especially the day before our graduation was very tragic and heartbreaking."
Meanwhile, Hernandez-Garcia appeared in court on Friday. He is facing multiple felonies, including vehicular manslaughter.
The California Highway Patrol said the suspect was wanted for a previous felony evading incident.
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SIGN UP Hernandez-Garcia's family left court Friday without answering any questions.
