‘Be like Boomer': Oakland teacher mourned at large memorial service
Boomer was killed in May 28, just two days before his senior students received their diplomas at Castlemont High School's graduation ceremony.
Boomer and his girlfriend, Nina, were out on an evening stroll May 28 when a stolen car zoomed through an Oakland neighborhood and crashed into them on a sidewalk, investigators said. Less than a minute before the crash, the teenaged driver was chased by California Highway Patrol officers.
The teacher pushed his girlfriend out of the direct path of a car that slammed into Boomer, according to a home surveillance video reviewed by KRON4 and a statement from his family. His family described the act of heroism as 'a final act of love and selflessness,' his family wrote.
East Oakland community members were invited to attend the church service, which was also livestreamed by Acts Full Gospel Church. Nina was emotional as she talked about the love of her life.
'I called him 'Mr. Wonderful.' Marvin and I shared something special, it was rare. It was deeply rooted in honesty, intention, and love. We knew everything about each other, not just the easy parts, but the hard truths,' Nina said.
She also spoke about the tragedy, and remembered seeing a CHP patrol car racing by. 'We didn't even know what we were walking into. Speeding through neighborhoods, high speed chases through residential neighborhoods, should not be commonplace in the city that I love. I was raised in East Oakland. It's sad to say I lost the love of my life in Oakland. And I'm mad. It was preventable. No one should have to endure this,' Nina said.
The math teacher is remembered for taking students under his wings as Castlemont's College and Career Pathways Coach, as well as making 'being smart cool,' friends said. Boomer had recently completed his Ph.D in Educational Research and Policy Analysis.
One of the teacher's best friends stood up in the church and said, 'Be like Boomer.'
Students said their teacher cared about them, he could turn any bad day around into a good day, and he was always smiling.
One Castlemont student said she had promised Boomer that she would return a stuffed bear that she borrowed from school after she graduated. The recent graduate gave the stuffed bear to his family on Friday.
'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,' Oakland Unified School District officials wrote.
Family members decided to have an open-casket viewing Friday because the teacher had a widespread impact spreading his joy for learning and education. A verified GoFundMe page is raising donations to honor Boomer's legacy.
Nina said, 'I am grateful to have known him. I hope you will use his life as a call to action. To smile every day. Use his life as a light to be your best self.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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