Slain Paramedic's Family Says He Was Headed for Stanford

The organs of a Santa Clara County paramedic who was shot and killed Tuesday while driving in the Oakland Hills will be donated to other patients in need, his family said Friday in a statement.

Quinn Boyer, 34, died Thursday afternoon at Highland Hospital after being shot while driving on Keller Avenue. Boyer is survived by his wife and family, who issued a statement today urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Oakland police.

"Quinn's passing leaves a gash in our hearts that will never heal," the statement read. "We ask for your support and prayers, and your respect for our privacy during this difficult time."

Boyer had worked as a paramedic for Santa Clara County Ambulance for the past two years and as a paramedic for a total of five years, according to company spokeswoman Monica Gomez.

He grew up in Oakland, graduated from Sonoma State University, Santa Rosa Fire Academy and Foothill Paramedic Program, and had just been accepted into the physician's assistant program at Stanford University, according to his family.

He also served as a Big Brother and as a volunteer at the Order of Malta Clinic in Oakland.

Oakland police said it appears that someone in another vehicle shot Boyer shortly before noon Tuesday. Boyer, who was off-duty at the time of the shooting, then crashed his car down a ravine in the 5200 block of Keller Avenue.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear, although police are looking at the possibility that it may have stemmed from a robbery attempt. No suspect information has been released and no arrests have been made.

Santa Clara County Ambulance said Boyer was well liked by his colleagues and dedicated to his role as a paramedic.

The company's employees faced another tragedy two years ago when fellow paramedic Bryan Stow was severely beaten two years ago at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles after a San Francisco Giants game on Opening Day. Stow suffered brain damage and his treatment is ongoing.

Oakland police said anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the homicide unit at (510) 238-3821.

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