> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # A somber day at Santa Monica High - URL: https://www.smdp.com/a-somber-day-at-santa-monica-high/ - Published: 2006-03-03T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T17:19:16.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: Education, Santa Monica, #archive-import *A city turns out en masse to recall fallen teen* SAMOHI — He was a star athlete on both the football gridiron and the baseball diamond, a faithful follower of his church, an accomplished student and a spot-on comedian. But what family and friends of Eduardo “Eddie” Lopez would like people to remember most about the charismatic 15-year-old, who was gunned down Tuesday by a suspected gang member, was his kindness and his willingness to place the happiness of others before his own. Be it singing silly versions of popular songs to cheer up a friend in need, or foregoing a night out so he could wake up early to walk his grandmother, or “abuelita,” to church each Sunday, Lopez was not your typical teen, his friends and family said Thursday during a memorial service staged on campus following an early dismissal. He was special, and for that, he will never be forgotten. “He was a … nice guy, a true family man” said Ralph Lopez, a cousin, fighting back tears. “He never acted in rage, never raised a hand. He always made me laugh. The boy was a clown … As time passes, I hope the pain fades. “(His death) is killing a part of my soul. Without my brother, I will never be whole.” Police said around 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Lopez, who family members contend was not a gang member, was with two friends near the corner of 26th Street and Pico Boulevard when a suspect, described as a male Hispanic wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and a bandana over his face, approached, yelled a Los Angeles-based Hispanic gang name several times, and fired multiple shots at the three friends. Lopez was struck in the chest and died roughly an hour later at a local hospital. A witness said they saw a white pick-up truck fleeing the scene of the shooting, police said. On Thursday afternoon, family members, many of whom were wearing shirts with Lopez’ picture, were joined by hundreds of grief-stricken students who filled Santa Monica High School’s Greek Theater to honor and celebrate the life of Lopez. Emotions ran deep as friends shared stories about their “leader.” “He is an inspiration to all of us,” said close friend Bradley Condon. “He has an addicting light to himself and has a way to always make us laugh, sometimes with just a wink. The reason I use ‘is’ and not ‘was,’ is because he is still with us, cracking jokes as always, like the times he said, ‘I try, it happens, you know’ “The way everyone came together today — he would wish it could be like this every day. He was always a leader and will continue to be one for us. He has inspired change and will always be watching.” Members of the Samohi baseball and football teams presented Lopez’ mother with special jerseys. One student, Mariano Reyes, performed a rap song in Lopez’ honor, calling on the capacity crowd to be thankful and take advantage of the opportunities Lopez no longer has. “This could have been any one of us,” Reyes said. The Samohi Orchestra and Choir provided music for the memorial and dozens of doves were released, symbolizing Lopez’ journey from this earth. Monsignor Llyod Torgerson of Saint Monica’s Parish, where Lopez was a member of the youth prayer group, said the memorial was a time not to lament about what is wrong with the world, but rather a time to celebrate what is right — community gathering together. “I believe that the heart of the human condition is good and that is what we are celebrating today,” he said. “This family needs this love and support today, so thank you for the incredible gift and blessing.” Torgerson also called on the crowd to not resort to violence or anger because of Lopez’ death. “Any kind of violence denies Eddie’s spirit,” Torgerson said. “Any kind of anger will kill his living forever in all of us.” A week from today, Torgerson said there will be a vigil and celebration of Lopez at his church. The public is encouraged to attend. Also in the audience were elected officials, and Police Chief James T. Butts, Jr., all of whom called Lopez’ death “tragic” and vowed to do whatever they could to not only find the suspect responsible for Lopez’ death — who remains at-large. They also pledged to work towards eradicating gang violence in the city, particularly the Pico neighborhood, which has been plagued by gang-related shootings. “(Gang violence) is a regional problem and I think we need to be focusing a great deal of energy on who we can work with in surrounding communities to end the cycle of violence that resulted in this senseless and heinous crime Tuesday,” Councilman Richard Bloom, who has a son attending Samohi, said. While the police department has increased its presence in the Pico area and has embarked on creating stronger ties within the community, including the support of Neighborhood Watch programs, Chief Butts said much of the crime occurring is perpetrated by gang members from outside of the city. “Violence has lessened over the years, but every time we have a tragedy like this, and this is a tragedy, it reaffirms our commitment so that everyone can live in safety,” Butts said. “We have doubled our (gang) deployment … we have officers on campus during school hours and have increased patrols … when kids are walking to and from school.” Butts said the department is also considering leasing a helicopter to better help track suspects and serve as a deterrent. Others in the community have called for more youth programs and creating more job opportunities for students after school. The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a job fair for youth in April, and State Sen. Sheila Kuehl will sponsor a gang intervention and prevention summit on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at John Adams Middle School. “This is truly going to take a community effort,” said Councilman Herb Katz. “Everyone needs to get involved, starting with the parents who live in the Pico area. They need to help police before something does occur. The main thing is we need to get on this and raise awareness and see what we can do to prevent it. “No matter who is shot, we can never lay down and say this is O.K.” A fund has been set up to support the Lopez’ family. Those interested in donating should make checks payable to the Eddie Lopez Fund, c/o First Federal Bank, 1630 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403\. Account: 60220421887. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/030306-01_01.jpg) (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/030306-01_02.jpg) The Santa Monica High School choir sings ‘Remember’ at the school’s Greek Theater during a memorial for Eduardo Lopez on Thursday. (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/030306-01_03.jpg) (Photo: Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 3, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/030306.pdf?ref=smdp.com)