DUBLIN — Police, city and school district officials expressed grief and shock Wednesday after a beloved trustee died in an apparent vehicle accident at a school campus, authorities said.
Dublin Unified schools trustee Catherine Kuo, 48, was fatally injured around 11:45 a.m. when she was struck by a car as she stood at the rear of her own vehicle at Fallon Middle School on Kohnen Way, police said. Kuo was pinned against her own vehicle.
She was given life-saving care on the scene and then taken to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, police said, where she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities said the driver did not appear to be impaired and cooperated with investigators.
The school district’s interim superintendent reported the shocking news in a letter to parents later Wednesday.
“What I must share with you is almost beyond comprehension,” interim Superintendent Daniel Moirao wrote, revealing that Kuo was participating in a food-distribution event on campus. “I’m struggling with the reality of what has transpired. This is a tragedy beyond words.
“Our heart goes out to Catherine’s family and friends. We can’t begin to fathom the impact of this loss to you. She dedicated so much of her heart, soul, and time to our community. Catherine had a lightness about her, a comforting manner that helped people feel at ease. She was friendly, nurturing, kind, and generous. We were lucky to have known her and will miss her more than words can express. There is a gaping hole in our hearts.”
City officials expressed their sorrow at the grim news Wednesday.
“The Dublin City Council was heartbroken to hear about the tragic accident and loss of Dublin Unified School District Board Trustee Catherine Kuo,” councilmembers said in a statement Wednesday.
“A Dublin resident for more than 20 years, Trustee Kuo has been a valuable member of the Dublin community, and a steadfast and loyal volunteer, for nearly a decade. As a member of the Board of Trustees, she always had the well-being of the students in mind. Her work and dedication to the school district and the city made our community better. We send our deepest sympathy to Ms. Kuo’s family, friends, and the entire Dublin Unified School District. We, too, will miss our colleague and friend.”
In recent days, Kuo signed her name to a statement pushing back against hateful actions and crimes against Asian-Americans in a Facebook post, alongside other Tri-Valley educators, officials and spokespersons.
Moirao shared multiple resources for community members dealing with the incident, including Alameda County Crisis Support Grief Counseling, 800-260-0094, and a 24-hour crisis line at 800-309-2131, where callers may visit www.crisissupport.org for more information, as well as the Hume Center 5776 Stoneridge Mall Road, Suite 340 Pleasanton CA 94588, with a phone number of 925-223-8047and a toll-free grief hotline of 1-800-837-1818 where all in need of grief support may speak to a trained grief counselor on this hotline 24/7, or text HOPE to 27121 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
