FRESNO (KMJ) — Family and friends of Clovis Unified educator Gavin Gladding have said goodbye to the 43 year old father of two who was killed in a fatal hit and run just over a week ago.
Hundreds of mourners gathered inside People’s Church in Northeast Fresno Monday morning, as they gathered to say a final goodbye.
“In so many ways he was unique,” said Mario Beltramo, who described himself as a friend of Gavin Gladding’s parents. “Not only was he an educator and a father, but also someone who had a profound sense of community…in so many ways he was just the type of person that we want in this community and so that’s why the loss is as great as it is.”
During the service, Gavin Gladding was described as someone who is as close to a perfect human being as there is. One of the bouquets at the front depicted an “FW” in the blue and yellow colors of Fort Washington Elementary, where Gladding served as Vice Principal.
A look at the program used in today’s memorial service for @clovisusd Vice Principal Gavin Gladding. The 43 year old was killed in a hit and run in Fresno just over a week ago. More on @KMJNOW. pic.twitter.com/TbQlwFgxhi
— Dom McAndrew (@DomMcAndrew) September 24, 2018
The service comes days after the CHP arrested an 18 year old in the fatal hit and run on September 16th. Rogelio Alvarez-Maravilla has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, and driving without a license.
The breakthrough came Friday evening when investigators announced that the teenage suspect had been identified and placed into police custody. In a statement, Clovis Unified School District described it as helping to bring closure following the week-long investigation (click here to read more).
“We were acting on a valid tip from an anonymous tipster that responded to the Clovis Police Department, and the Clovis Police Department referred them onto us,” explained CHP Sergeant Dave Salcido.
“We were acting on that tip, which turned out to be a credible tip, as to the location of the vehicle in question. As we were responding to that location to see if the vehicle was there and retrieve it, I received a call from Mr. Alvarez’s lawyer.
“Mr. Ruiz advised me the location of the vehicle, which we had already established based on the anonymous tip, and that he was going to turn his client over to us this [Friday] evening here at the Highway Patrol office.”
The suspect vehicle, a 2006 midnight blue Chevrolet Silverado, was recovered in the area of Floral and Cedar in Fresno County.
People’s Church Pastor Larry Powell said the tragic circumstances made the service all the harder for those present.
“Gavin had an amazing ability to connect with people. That’s the thing that makes it so much more difficult is that you knew him.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
