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Live Blog from Tyler De Martini Vigil

Patch reported from the scene of Tyler De Martini's vigil on Wednesday night. Here, read about the conversations we had with friends, family and community members during the event.

[Editor's Note: See . What follows is our live blog of the event.]

UPDATE: 10:15 p.m. There are still about 30 people here, talking, hugging and sharing around the vigil. 

Tyler's cousin, Vincent Parella, said Tyler had a "heart of gold" and would "do anything for anyone."

"You could call that boy up at 3 in the morning," added Tyler's girlfriend, Hannah Le. "Even if it was something small, like a scary dream, you could call him and he'd pick up."

Parella, 22, said he basically grew up with Tyler, spending 2-4 nights a week at his home when they were younger. 

"He was there if I wanted him to be," he said. "He had friends all over. He knew everybody and everybody loved him."

UPDATE: 8:43 p.m. About 60 people, many of them young, are gathered on the southwest corner of Marin and Tulare avenues.

Within minutes of the beginning of the 8 p.m. vigil for Tyler De Martini, lit candles covered the grassy corner.

Signs wishing him well covered a nearby tree. Friends and community members lit incense, and shared memories about a friend they described as "all or nothing" in pursuit of his life, his friends and skateboarding.

Some of those in attendance are quietly watching, or holding lit candles. Others are sobbing, loudly and softly. 

Several friends shared happier memories of Tyler, like the way he was "in love with his hair," and would spend the better part of five minutes fixing his "swoop" strand by strand before being ready to leave.

They described him as a skilled athlete who wasn't much for school, but could have achieved more in it if he had been more interested.

Others described saying goodbye to him on his last day, as he headed down Marin bound for either the skate park or his girlfriend's home.

7:30 p.m.

We just received word that a number of friends of Tyler De Martini will be coming together at the corner of Marin and Tulare avenues in Berkeley, tonight at 8, where De Martini was . He died earlier today after his family removed him from life support.

According to a family friend, the group will be at the intersection "throughout the evening as a way to bring light to a really dark place right now."

A group of El Cerrito parents said they also hope to meet, at 7:30 p.m., on the corner of Marin and Tulare, with flashing lights and candles to raise awareness about what happened to De Martini, and remind people to slow down as they drive through the area. 

Friends and family members  on Wednesday afternoon. According to his mother, Kim De Martini, her son lived for just five minutes after he was disconnected from life support at Highland Hospital earlier today.

A MOTHER REFLECTS

Wednesday night, she and her twin sister came to look at the vigil set up on the southeast corner of Marin and Tulare for her son. (A neighbor said the actual crash happened on the northwest corner, but that the southeast side may have provided for more visibility to set up the memorial.)

It's a familiar neighborhood for the sisters, who grew up in Albany on Curtis Street and graduated from Albany High.

Kim De Martini described her son as "a charmer" and an "all-around fantastic kid" who excelled at sports, from baseball, basketball and soccer to his passion: skateboarding. 

De Martini said her son, who turned 18 in October, was never one to wear a helmet. His behavior hadn't struck her as any more nerve-racking than parenting in general, though.

"You always worry, as a mother," she said. 

Earlier in the day, as a group of about 50 kids visited Highland Hospital to say goodbye to De Martini, Kim said she'd made a point to tell the boys to wear their helmets without fail from here on out.

"Let's make his death mean something," she told them. "Let's make a symbol of Tyler."

De Martini said she was shocked to see so many friends come out to see her son. The boys, she said, were even more emotional than the girls, sobbing as the family made the decision to turn off her son's life support and let him go.

Earlier in the week, she said, doctors had been somewhat more optimistic. When De Martini was first taken into the hospital on Monday, she said, he reacted to light. But soon, she said, his brain began to swell, and doctors were unable to operate.

"He went into a coma and never came out," she said. 

As the sun set and the light faded Wednesday, De Martini looked north across Marin at cars whizzing past in both directions. No one seemed willing to stop for waiting pedestrians, including De Martini and her sister, as they slowly edged out to cross the road. 

"I love this city, but this gives me the shivers sitting here, watching this, the speeding and the darkness," she said, as she prepared to leave. "Tomorrow I need to figure out the funeral. But now I just need to get through tonight... and reflect on everything that happened this week."

OFFICIAL UPDATE

The Berkeley Police Department reported via email at 6:20 p.m. that De Martini's official time of death was at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday. Berkeley Police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss wrote that, "Although difficult to share, the BPD preliminary collision investigation has determined the ... Primary Collision Factor as 'a pedestrian in the roadway.' Skateboarders are considered pedestrians" in the California Vehicle Code.

According to California Vehicle Code 21956(a), "No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway." 

Click the "Keep me posted" button below for updates about pedestrian traffic safety issues, and other updates about Tyler De Martini. 

Read more about Tyler here on Patch.

Catherine (Kate) Rauch February 2, 2012 at 12:37 am
My son, daughter, and I just left a candle and flowers on the corner ..... it was quiet, peaceful, and even pretty - flickering lights in the night. Thoughts to Tyler's family & friends, and to the driver.
Eric Stephens February 2, 2012 at 12:48 am
This is really heart-wrenching. As a parent new to Albany, my heart goes out to Tyler's family.
Peggy McQuaid February 2, 2012 at 12:51 am
I can see the flickering lights of the vigil from my windows and some cars still speed by. Let each of us pledge to slow down and be careful when driving, walking, biking, and skating and to teach the children do to the same. RIP Tyler. I didn't know you, but I will always remember you.
Joan Winnek February 2, 2012 at 02:18 am
Please remember the unidentified driver. It appears he acted with extreme responsibility and was without fault. Skateboarders terrorize pedestrians as well.
Max Valentino-Tran Agress February 2, 2012 at 02:19 am
Rest In Peace Tyler. You were a true bro and we all got love for you. Things won't be the same anymore. You're in a better place now and we will all be chillin up there with you soon enough.
Ronda Ballew February 2, 2012 at 03:19 am
Joan and Kate, I am glad you wrote about also remembering the driver of this awful accident. I cannot imagine how devastated he too will be for the rest of his life. While I don't know many of the facts, from what has been published it seems from the beginning that he was a caring and responsible person.
My heart also goes out to Tyler's family and friends and to the driver and his family and friends. Family and friends (and even strangers) can be so very helpful at a time like this. RIP Tyler.
Krista Miller February 2, 2012 at 04:22 am
I did not know Tyler, but live on Tulare and I guarantee he will not be forgotten. I left flowers early in the day and stopped by the vigil. It was peaceful and beautiful, and for a few hours the corner sparkled. While standing there I was amazed at how many cars did not stop for the pedestrians crossing the street to attend the vigil. They were not necessarily speeding (although some certainly were), or doing anything wrong; the street is just so dark that it is difficult to see the pedestrians. The driver of this tragic accident is also a victim here- the intersection is just not safe for anyone. Sending well-wishes to the friends and family of Tyler, and the driver and his family.
jim February 2, 2012 at 01:27 pm
Please also remind all people that without bright or reflective clothing, and considering the contrast between other car lights and deep shadows, they are invisible until the driver's car lights shine on them. How much time does that leave?
Tim Q. Cannon February 2, 2012 at 01:34 pm
everyone, everyone must take responsibility for their own and other's safety...not every intersection can be well lit...or have a stop light...like the sign says, drive like your kids live here...and look both ways before crossing.
Lou Judson February 2, 2012 at 01:54 pm
Tim, ideally yes, but I'd wager 95% of the people who drive or walk or skate on Marin will not see this article. And none of the speeders or left turners who fail to look and slow down enough. So the safety measures do need to be done, and the education of the children needs to be done. I wish we knew the exact events as they unfolded - did the boy run into the care? Did the care ram into the kid? Which one blinked at the wrong time? But in any event, proper lighting and signals would have helped, exactly as the time the city psychologist got run over while on a jog a few years ago.
"How many deaths will it take..." sang Bob Dylan so long ago... "Teach your children well..." CSN&Y sang. Tears won't brng them back.
Tim Q. Cannon February 2, 2012 at 02:31 pm
not sure I agree with your 95% wager, but the speeders and stop sign runners definitely need to get cited. I've got speeders on my street too..a side street, but a direct route to St. Mary's for students/parents trying to get to school on time. Enforcement of speed laws would be great...
ralph February 2, 2012 at 02:44 pm
Today there was a Berkeley public works truck fixing a streetlight just up from Tulare on Marin. Another factor to consider is the use of turn signals. Drivers often turn off of Marin without signaling. One purpose of the turn signal is to alert unseen pedestrians of your intention to turn into their path. I do not believe children intentionally run in front of cars. The drivers need to use turn signals before entering the left turn lane, and before turning right.
Lou Judson February 2, 2012 at 02:45 pm
Probably more like 99%! Partch is far from a mainstream medium. And a left turner won't be speeding, just not seeing a speeding skater in the dark... There are no lighting rules for them as they are clased as peds.
Lisa Baracker February 2, 2012 at 02:59 pm
The most important thing right now is to hold space for those who at grieving the loss of Tyler Di Martini. There is no quick fix for the pain that Tyler's family and friends are feeling right now and no room for blame. This was a tragic accident and the entire community is in mourning.
Dee February 2, 2012 at 04:31 pm
I too am very sorry for the young man who died and for his family and friends who grieve his loss. That being said, I am VERY SORRY FOR THE DRIVER of the Prius whose life has been forever changed. What was the skateboarder doing racing down a hill on a public street at 7 pm IN THE DARK.! I drive that street almost daily. Marin, with it's too busy striping , has become very dangerous for all who use it. And I can't help but identify with another driver, who was probably quietly going about his end-of-the day business. Skateboards are wheeled "vehicles", and like bicycles should have to obey the rules of the road. A law that classifies them as pedestrians needs to be changed. What is needed is not more helmet and speed laws but an even application of common sense . The driver of the Prius was a victim . I will pray for him.
Michelle Cammack February 2, 2012 at 09:41 pm
I feel bad for the driver as well. Although it was an accident, it is something he will have to live with the rest of his life. "What was a skateboarder doing racing down the hill........?" He wasn't thinking. Neither do other skateboarders his age. Does it make it right? Of course not, but he was victim to the common mentality of kids his age, "It can't/won't happen to me!"
There were many factors that contributed to this tragic event, the perfect storm.........
Astrid Broberg February 2, 2012 at 10:01 pm
And please wear helmets..even today with all that has been written and I would imagine talked about this tragedy I saw a middle schooler not far from colusa without a helmet
G.C. February 3, 2012 at 12:00 am
So the light was out? And they are now fixing it? I've ridden my bike on this road many times for the past 20 years, and have always had my concerns. I do hope the city has been doing its part in keeping the road lit.
Larry Craighill February 3, 2012 at 12:11 am
If you are a skateboarder, jogger or bike rider going out in the dark or even at dusk, please wear reflective clothing. I do when I ride my bike. When I drive, I'm always surprised by how difficult it can be to see someone in the crosswalk when there are headlights behind them creating backlight.
As for Marin Ave, I was amazed today that a car tailgated and honked at me from the top all the way to the BART tracks because I was going 25. This spectacle continued even as we passed mourners gathered at the site of this tragic accident. I drive this route often, but I've never had such an experience. The police may need to do some additional enforcement after all.
Lou Judson February 3, 2012 at 12:14 am
Never in my entire life have I seen a skateboarder with a helmet on! I'd bet the peer pressure would make them put it in their backpack.
Someone please post here if you actually see a skateboarder wearing a helmet...
Larry Craighill February 3, 2012 at 03:43 am
I guess Lou has never seen a skate boarding magazine or been to a skate park. It's never too late to open your eyes.
Lou Judson February 3, 2012 at 09:25 am
Larry - correct. I have no kids and avoid skateboarders as much as possible! Obnoxious noisy things, especially on sidewalks downtown. No problem with them as toys, but as transportation they scare me even in the daylight! At over 60 I could barely jump out of the way if they aimed badly. All sympathy the the family and friends, though. It is the safety of the streets I care about.
Anne February 3, 2012 at 01:19 pm
This death is a tragedy that DID NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN !
Please extend very sincere condolences to the deMartini family and friends, but, also, extend our condolences to the driver, in innocent person who will live forever remembering and regretting this tragic loss ! From a careful bicyclist (with lights front, back, and both sides, always wearing a helmet) who is, also, a careful driver who watches attentively for pedestrians, skateboarders, and bicyclists but worries that, some night, no matter how carefully I drive, I might not SEE a fast-moving pedestrian, skateboarder, or bicyclist, dressed in dark clothing, without lights, in time to stop !
Anne February 3, 2012 at 01:32 pm
A CHALLANGE: This wonderful young man who has died should be remembered by establishing that each and every bicyclist, skareboarder, etc., should be taught good-conduct rules and required to wear a helmet ! That would seem to be a useful tribute to this young man who is morned and missed by family and freinds !
lindy February 3, 2012 at 02:05 pm
I am so sorry to read about this tragedy ...
I can't count the number of times we have not seen a bike rider or pedestrian who is wearing dark clothing/no reflective gear/ and had to slam on the brakes. It happens often on our street (San Lorenzo) where we are seeing joggers running down the middle of the street. We need a sign like the "drive like your children live here" ... Where do you get them? so sorry again to the family, and to the driver.
C.Kristopherson February 4, 2012 at 06:28 am
I am confused, based on the CA vehicle code, because he was on a skateboard he was a pedestrian. If he were on a bicycle would he have been considered something else? Either, or, would the same accident not have occurred? The tragedy here is that we give automobiles the benefit of the doubt. Were it not for a 3000lb steel object moving faster than the fastest person on earth, barreling down the street, this wouldn't have happened. Until people value the lives cars have taken over the utility cars bring to our lives, situations like this will continue to happen. It may sound callous but unfortunate death is part of every day life throughout the world. For those who are calling on police to enforce helmet laws on minors, should we not also enforce helmet laws on seniors who may also take a fatal fall on public sidewalks?
To quote William Ross Wallace, “Every man dies - Not every man really lives.” For Tyler, he died doing something he loved to do. Can you say the same?
John Stashik February 4, 2012 at 02:04 pm
It appears to have been an accident. Pure and simple. Not a conspiracy of an automobile hunting down a kid on a skateboard. Accidents happen daily. Skateboards don't belong on roadways. Parents should teach that to their kids to lessen the chance of tragic accidents.
Joan Roos February 4, 2012 at 04:18 pm
Yes, as a pedestrian the skate boards and bikes are my biggest problem.
Teflon February 5, 2012 at 03:15 am
I really like the idea of the vigil but it really has to be executed better at night. I just drove by there and there are hoards of kids crossing the street in dark clothing. That corner is so dark (something that needs to be changed ASAP) but they are just inviting another disaster. Not to mention people can't see all their slow down signs and signs remembering Tyler. Get some lights folks!
Teflon February 5, 2012 at 03:24 am
That said, its nice people have showed so much caring and love for such a great kid. Rest in peace and prayers to him and his family.

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Amy Smolens June 7, 2013 at 02:57 pm
Hi there - This doesn't seem like an appropriate announcement for Albany or Berkeley Patch. 1) theRead More category is Announcements/Around Town and these events are all in Marin 2) Patch's "Terms of Use" say "You may use this Service solely for personal and non-commercial purposes. That is to say: You can’t use the Service to make a living unless you enter into a separate agreement with us that says you can." This is clearly solely a commercial venture, not a neighbor of ours or local organization providing a community service and charging for the service. 3) I went to the Novato website and saw this listing: "Ettiquette (sic) Series for Kids - 17737 Ages: 7 Years to 11 Years - Residents $150.00 - Non-residents $163.00" 4) These items push our items of local interest down and out of sight. Especially now that there is no box indicating the stories with the most recent comments, as there used to be on the Patch front page, out of sight does mean out of mind. Charles, what are your thoughts here? Thanks.
angie allison June 7, 2013 at 03:45 pm
Hi Amy, Thank you for letting me know and I understand! Angie
Mechanics from Street Level Cycles tune up bikes at the Albany Arts & Green Festival. Photo courtesy Matt McHugh
Lin B. June 6, 2013 at 11:29 am
I've been waiting for the right time to donate my son's old bike he used in middle/high school. It'sRead More been hanging on hooks in the garage and this seems like a great time to give it up!
christopher papazoglow June 7, 2013 at 10:30 am
Can you please post their hours / days of operation ? As i recall, they're only open afternoons aRead More few days a week, and it won't do to just leave donations outside ( they'll be scavenged ). And i was not able to find the info online.
AS&R - Albany Strollers & Rollers June 7, 2013 at 11:20 am
Thanks, Christopher. Open Community Hours are Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12-6pm so anytime those daysRead More are definitely fine. They're there (84 Bolivar Drive - Aquatic Park) most of the day Wednesdays and Thursdays for Youth Classes and the doors are locked. I just spoke to Amber Rich and she asked you to call them at 510 644 2577 and let them know what time is good for you and they will be sure to be there. Thanks for your generosity!
Dover June 5, 2013 at 02:47 pm
Thanks for the update but I am worried. This is very distressing. How will Eric and Tarina be ableRead More to afford their annual lengthy hipster vacation if they have to cough up lawyer fees? I am sure they were expecting that UCB (aka the rest of us) would pay Mr. Siegel's bill. Now they may have to resort to staying home and eating Top Ramen out of their charming and cheerful "made in Asia by small children but they're not slaving for 14 hours a day in front of our faces so we don't care" ceramic bowls. Oh noes! Bad, bad, very, very bad news.
Charles Burress (Editor) June 5, 2013 at 03:06 pm
David, thanks for the alert to the judge's decision.