Latest news with #vigil
CTV News
19 hours ago
- General
- CTV News
Joint funeral held for two teens killed in crash that left five dead in Walkerton Ont.
Hundreds gather in the parking lot of the Walkerton District Community School in Walkerton, Ont. for a vigil on Sunday, May 25, 2025. On May 23,, four students and a teacher from the school were killed in a car accident on the way back from a softball tournament in Dorchester, Ontario. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins Two teens killed in a crash near London, Ont. just over a week ago were remembered Saturday for their contagious smiles that 'could light up absolutely everything.' Hundreds attended the joint funeral service for Olivia Rourke, 17, and Danica Baker, 16, at the Walkerton Community Centre, along with nearly 1,000 who tuned in to a livestream. The pair were killed along with two other girls, Rowan McLeod and Kaydance Ford, and their 33-year-old coach Matt Eckert, who was a teacher at Walkerton District Community School, when their sport utility vehicle collided with another SUV and a transport truck on May 23. The five had been returning from a softball tournament in the area. On Friday evening, the principal of Walkerton District Community School issued a statement about the tragedy, recognizing the teachers, staff, and support services that have served the community throughout the past week. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support that we have received over the past week from our local communities in Bruce and Grey counties, across Ontario, and beyond. The kindness and solidarity shown by individuals, families, organizations, and communities have been a tremendous source of comfort and stability during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to our school community for your care, kindness, and generosity. We truly feel supported. — Roselyn Clancy, Principal, Walkerton District Community School At the funeral service on Saturday, Rourke was described by her cousin Rae in a eulogy as 'the spunkiest, sassiest and coolest little girl,' adding that her 'witty jokes, positive energy and sassy remarks could bring a smile to anyone's face.' Baker's cousin Aislyn said she left a mark on everyone she met through her infectious smile, her goofy laugh and her positive and thoughtful presence. - with files from CTV News London's Bailey Shakyaver
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Loved ones honor mother found dead at L.A. homeless encampment as questions linger
Loved ones held a vigil Friday night to honor the life of a 46-year-old mother who was found dead at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles, as questions remain over her cause of death. Held at the site where the body of Lucrecia Macias Barajas was found, friends and family shared their fondest memories of the U.S. Army veteran and mother of six children. 'She had her whole life ahead of her,' said Amely Becerra, the woman's daughter. 'She was still so young.' Her daughters said Barajas left her home on the Saturday before Mother's Day, and that was the last time they heard from her. After she was missing for several days and family members were unable to reach her, they eventually traced her cell phone signal to an encampment on Huntley Drive in the Westlake District near downtown L.A. Inside a locked tent, they found the bodies of Barajas and her male friend, whose identity was not released. Neighbors said at least one of the bodies had been partially eaten by dogs. Video of the scene showed Barajas' youngest daughter wailing with grief, imploring police to take her mother's body out of the tent. Officers, however, waited because two live dogs, a pit bull mix and a shepherd mix, one of whom reportedly bit into Barajas' body, were still in the tent. Her daughter told the Los Angeles Times that her mother's body wasn't removed from the tent until early the next day, after animal services, who are now holding the dogs as evidence, responded to the scene. Both Barajas' and the male victim's corpses were in the tent with the dogs for at least eight hours after they were found, her family said. Her daughters said they're unsure why their mother went to the encampment that day, but they believe the circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious. Los Angeles police detectives are reportedly investigating the case as a suspected overdose, but her family believes homicide shouldn't be ruled out and that there may be evidence of foul play. One of their issues with the alleged 'overdose investigation' is that the tent in which their mother and the man were found was secured with a lock on the outside of the entrance, presumably suggesting a third party could have bolted it as they left the scene. In addition, a neighbor told The Times that he and his girlfriend were awakened at around 3:30 a.m. that morning by sounds of a man and woman arguing, followed by a woman's screams for help before they heard silence. 'We have a lot of questions,' said Raul Claros, Founder/Director of California Rising. 'First, of what happened when she left the home — the timeline between when she left home and when she showed up [at the encampment].' Born in Nicaragua, Barajas fled with her family in 1986 amid the country's civil war. She later joined the U.S. Army between the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her daughters told The Times that they believe their mother started using methamphetamine in 2017 as a way to manage raising six children, working full-time and battling stage 3 lymphoma. The children were reportedly unaware of their mother's drug use, though they said she eventually became sober. Barajas' loved ones described her as a generous person who often delivered food to those struggling on the streets. 'Lucrecia was a wonderful person and served our country,' said Stephanie Torres, a longtime friend. 'She doesn't deserve to be swept under the rug. No, we're not going to let that happen.' The homeless encampment where Barajas was found has remained a chronic issue for many residents, who say the area attracts criminal activity, drug use and safety hazards. Neighbors said the area has been neglected by city officials and despite repeated complaints, nothing is being done to curb the growing problems. 'The family and the community believe that if these encampments were not here, these two individuals would still be alive,' Claros said. Barajas' daughters said they've spoken with LAPD detectives about the investigation and presented their theories on what they believe might have happened to their mother. 'That's all I want, is justice, and that my mother's memory won't fade,' Becerra said. L.A. city councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents the Westlake District, told The Times in a statement that she has spoken with LAPD and is working to 'ensure the family gets the answers they deserve.' 'I want people to know she wasn't a homeless drug addict, because that's not true,' Becerra said. 'Some people are coming to that conclusion, and that's not fair. She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.' The cause of death for Barajas and the unidentified man remains under investigation. A GoFundMe page to help her family with funeral expenses can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
a day ago
- 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.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Missing Hot Springs man's remains found
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — We're learning about a man who disappeared in Hot Springs nearly a year ago. SFPD: 7 confirmed overdose deaths so far in 2025 According to a post on Facebook, Matthew Marshall's remains have been found. 28-year-old Matthew Marshall was last seen on July 24, 2024. His family plans to host a vigil in his honor. More details will be shared as they come available. Matthew's family extend thank yous to every one who dedicated their time, energy and prayers to help find Matthew. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
ABC News
2 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Mourners gather for vigil in Alice Springs after death of Warlpiri man in police custody
The family of a 24-year-old Warlpiri man who died in police custody in Alice Springs this week has called for mourners to gather "in solidarity" to pay their respects. The 24-year-old from Yuendumu died on Tuesday after he was restrained by NT police officers following an altercation with a supermarket security guard. NT police say the man was placing items down the front of his clothing at the Coles supermarket in Alice Springs, when he was confronted by security guards. Two police officers in plain clothes were in the supermarket at the time and restrained the man. One eye witness told the ABC the restraint "looked pretty violent". "I think he may have swung at the security guard but I don't know if he actually hit him," another eye witness told the ABC. "Then I saw a bald man in a grey hoodie come up behind him and wrapped his arms around his torso in like a bear hug. "And then there was a bit of a tussle as he was trying to bring him to ground." The man was taken to Alice Springs Hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy on Wednesday found the man's cause of death "undetermined". NT Police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst has said that preliminary result would require "further investigation to provide any substantive cause of death". The grandfather of the 24-year-old, Warlpiri elder Ned Hargraves, has helped organise the vigil. "I am devastated by the death of my Jaja (grandson), another Warlpiri man who has had his life taken at the hands of the NT police," a statement posted on his behalf by the @justiceforwalker_ Instagram account. "I will be going to pay my respects for my Jaja tomorrow at midday, at the location he was taken from us. "Please join me in solidarity, to mourn, to remember him, and to give me strength."
