Latest news with #DrMarvinBoomer
CBS News
07-06-2025
- CBS News
Family, community mourn Oakland teacher killed by vehicle fleeing CHP
Family, friends, and students gathered at an East Oakland church Friday afternoon to honor the life of Dr. Marvin Boomer Jr., a Castlemont High School teacher who was killed in a crash last month. Boomer's partner, Nina Woodruff, spoke through tears at the emotional memorial service at Acts Full Gospel Church, recounting the night of the tragedy and their deep connection. "He called me Mrs. Everything, and I called him Dr./Mr. Wonderful Boomer," Woodruff said. The couple had been out for an evening walk near the intersection of East 21st Street and 12th Avenue when an out-of-control car struck them on the sidewalk. Woodruff, who is still recovering from her injuries, believes Boomer saved her life. "I'm hurt, and my physical pain is nothing compared to where my heart is. It's broken," she said. Authorities said the driver, Eric Hernandez Garcia, lost control of the vehicle while fleeing from the California Highway Patrol. The CHP said its officers had already ended the pursuit before the crash occurred. "We had no idea what we were walking into. It's reckless. It's not fair," said Woodruff. "There's enough blame to go around to everyone that participated in what happened to my Mr. Wonderful." Boomer's family echoed her pain, directing anger toward law enforcement and the circumstances surrounding his death. "What happened to my brother was senseless, tragic, reckless," said his sister Tynesha Boomer. "Our family is completely heartbroken. It doesn't make any sense what happened. It makes zero sense." Boomer was a beloved teacher at Castlemont High School, where he was known for his passion for education and commitment to serving students in underserved communities. "Marvin loved his community. He was driven by his desire to want to help people," said his father, Marvin Boomer Sr. "He loved Oakland. He loved his students," added his mother, Tina Boomer. During the open-casket service, which was attended by students, colleagues, and community members, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee read a proclamation in Boomer's honor. "He taught math, yes, but what he really taught was possibility - that an equation can open a door, and that a seed can grow into a meal, and yes, that a paycheck can grow into a career," said Lee. Woodruff said she is drawing strength from the many students Boomer mentored and inspired during his career. "It's not fair. It's not right. I'm angry," she said. The Boomer family's attorney, Michelle Bernard, announced that the family plans to file a civil lawsuit in the coming weeks. The suit will be directed at the driver, the CHP, and possibly the City of Oakland.
CBS News
31-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Community mourns beloved Oakland teacher killed by car fleeing from police
OAKLAND — Dozens of friends, coworkers, students, and even strangers gathered Friday evening at the corner of 12th Avenue and East 21st Street in Oakland to remember Dr. Marvin Boomer, a beloved teacher from Castlemont High School who was tragically killed earlier this week. Dr. Boomer, 39, died after being struck by a car that was fleeing from a California Highway Patrol pursuit. He had been out for a walk with his partner, who survived the crash. According to students, she is also a teacher at Castlemont. The emotional vigil came just hours before Castlemont's graduation ceremony at the Paramount Theatre—an event that should have been filled with joy, but was instead marked by grief. Many students credited Dr. Boomer for helping them reach that milestone. "He was a very good advocate for me going to college and finishing," said Castlemont graduate Ellijah Washington. Washington, who earned a full football scholarship to Oregon State University and started college in January, returned to Oakland to walk with his class. "He taught me that anything is possible," Washington added. "You just got to have the focus, have the drive, and really want to do that." Other students echoed those sentiments, remembering Dr. Boomer not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and role model. "He was someone that you could always look up to. He was always there when you needed him," said graduate Emmanuel Abudu. "Inspiring, very inspirational. He was just very bubbly… and he was very nice," added classmate Erinea Newsome. Washington also shared the lessons Dr. Boomer instilled in him—values he now carries into both the classroom and the football field. "Just to always finish—no matter what you do, you do it at 110%, and you finish strong with everything that you do," he said, recalling Dr. Boomer's advice. Among those mourning was Makayla Davis, a sophomore at UC Merced and Castlemont alumna who graduated two years ago. "Mr. Boomer was just a great person, personality and everything. He was just so joyful," Davis said through tears. She credited Dr. Boomer with providing not only guidance and support but real resources to help students succeed. "I want people to remember him as Dr. Boomer—the person that always uplifted everyone, the person that wanted better for all of his students," she said. Dr. Boomer spent the last eight years at Castlemont High, working as a math teacher and College & Career Pathways Coach, according to Oakland Unified School District. Despite his qualifications, students noted, he chose to stay in one of Oakland's most underserved neighborhoods to make a difference. "To hear that it happened, especially the day before our graduation, was very tragic and heartbreaking," Washington said. "But I know he's watching, and I know he's proud. We love him, and we just keep pushing forward." Police said the suspect in the crash—18-year-old Eric Hernandez Garcia—was arrested shortly afterward. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office has charged him with multiple felonies, including vehicular manslaughter, evading police, and felony hit-and-run.
