Marvin Boomer Obituary, Death – A beloved educator in the Oakland community, Dr. Marvin Boomer, tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle involved in a police pursuit earlier this week. The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday evening, May 28, in the Clinton neighborhood of Oakland and has left the Castlemont High School community and the broader Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) mourning.
Dr. Boomer, who served as a teacher and College and Career Pathways Coach at Castlemont High School, was walking with a companion near 12th Avenue and East 21st Street when the crash happened. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the suspect vehicle, which was being pursued by officers, lost control and struck Boomer. His walking companion sustained only minor injuries. The vehicle had been fleeing from authorities just seconds before the crash, although CHP noted that the pursuit had technically ended moments before the collision.
OUSD officially confirmed Boomer’s identity on Friday, just hours before Castlemont High School was scheduled to host its graduation ceremony at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre. The district released a heartfelt statement honoring Boomer’s contributions and expressing grief over his sudden and tragic passing.
In their message, OUSD described Dr. Boomer as a cherished figure within the school, someone who had dedicated eight years of his career to the Castlemont community. Starting as a math teacher, Boomer later transitioned to a key advisory role, helping guide students as a College and Career Pathways Coach. Colleagues and students alike remembered him for his warmth, insight, and joyful energy that helped foster a positive learning environment and support countless young people on their educational journeys.
“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,” the district wrote. “His legacy will live on in the school community and in the countless lives he helped shape.”
The timing of the tragedy was particularly heartbreaking, coming just one day before the end of the school year. Despite the somber mood, Castlemont staff and families pressed forward with the graduation ceremony, choosing to honor Dr. Boomer’s memory by celebrating the achievements of the students he helped guide.
The driver involved in the fatal crash was identified by authorities as 18-year-old Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia of Oakland. Following the collision, Hernandez-Garcia fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended and arrested by officers. According to the CHP, Hernandez-Garcia was driving a vehicle that had been previously flagged for felony evading in a separate case involving the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. That prior incident had led to the decision by CHP officers to initiate the pursuit on Wednesday.
Although CHP clarified that the chase had officially ended seconds before the crash, the incident has reignited debate in Oakland regarding law enforcement pursuit policies. Just days prior to the crash, Oakland’s police chief had advocated for expanded authority to pursue violent suspects. Under current local policy, officers are generally required to terminate vehicle pursuits if speeds exceed 50 miles per hour unless a commanding officer explicitly authorizes the continuation. This policy is meant to protect public safety, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Oakland, where high-speed chases can easily lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in this case.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the Oakland community. A vigil in honor of Dr. Boomer was scheduled for Friday evening at the location of the crash. Community members, students, fellow educators, and supporters were expected to gather to pay tribute to a man who had made a profound and lasting difference in the lives of those around him.
While investigations into the crash are ongoing, Dr. Boomer’s death has already left a lasting void. His colleagues and students are grappling not only with the loss of a respected mentor but also with the shock of such a sudden and violent event. In the face of this loss, many are turning to one another for comfort and support, seeking to honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately carried out every day.
As the school year comes to a close, Castlemont High School faces the challenging task of moving forward without one of its most dedicated staff members. But as reflected in the district’s statement, the community is determined to uphold the values Dr. Boomer embodied—compassion, commitment, and a belief in the power of education to transform lives.
For now, the city of Oakland mourns a teacher whose influence reached far beyond the classroom, remembering a man who made a lasting difference and whose legacy will continue to inspire.