FRANKEY FERNANDES
MELBOURNE: The Goan community in the United States is in a state of shock following the tragic death of 20-year-old Ethan Pereira, who was killed in a random shooting at a drag racing event in Oakland-California on January 27.
The deceased was a spectator. Two others were also injured in the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment in a local
hospital.
Ethan, who hailed from Dramapur-Salcete, had been attending a road show in Oakland’s Eastlake neighbourhood, approximately 20-30 minutes from his home, when the event took a deadly turn.
Online media reports stated that a car performing “donuts” – a popular drag racing stunt – crashed into a spectator, which led to the gunfire.
Witnesses described a chaotic situation where over a 100 spectators had gathered to watch cars perform burnouts.
Videos of the incident show people running for cover as gunshots rang out, followed by the arrival of police patrols.
Authorities later found evidence of a shooting, but no immediate victims at the scene.
Ethan and two others were also shot and were rushed to the hospital in a vehicle. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Ethan succumbed to injuries and was declared dead at the hospital.
On January 31, Oakland Police confirmed that the victim was Ethan Pereira after matching the body with a tattoo that was identified.
Sources have shared that Ethan had moved to the US with his family more than a decade ago. Before relocating to the US, he had attended Manovikas School in Margao. His parents are originally from Quepem and Paroda.
The funeral is scheduled for February 10 in California, as the community prepares to say goodbye to a young life tragically cut short.
Ethan’s grandparents are travelling to the US for the funeral.
The California Goan community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss, with numerous messages of condolences being sent to the grieving family. The death of innocent Ethan has left many shaken, especially given the senseless nature of the violence.