The Martinez Police Officer’s Association has begun collecting donations for a Tommy Choi Memorial Fund.

The 12-year old was killed last Tuesday, April 29, when his bicycle collided with a truck driven by an older teen. Although he initially survived the incident, he was pronounced dead an hour later at the Contra Costa County Regional Medical Center in Martinez.

This is the first time that the Association has ever set up a memorial fund, at least in the recent past, Officer Brian Carter said of the Martinez Police Department said. Martinez officers who responded to the scene that day, many who are fathers themselves, felt personally touched by the tragedy. In the spirit of empathy, they began the fund yesterday with a hefty $1000 contribution from the Association, Carter said. All donations will go to Choi’s remaining family members, including a younger sister who is currently in the first grade, he said.

Thus far, officers have also contacted Concord Korean Baptist Church in Martinez, the church that Choi’s parents regularly attend, said Pastor David Yoon. Choi just recently stopped attending, foregoing church to help out at his aunt’s business.

Choi was a seventh grade student at Valley View Middle School in Pleasant Hill. He was born in Korea, and immigrated to California sometime during his early childhood.

Choi’s family described him as a “sweet and caring” boy who loved to read, Martinez police said

Our thoughts go out to the Choi family, if you would like to contribute to the Memorial Fund, donations can be forward to Tommy Choi Memorial Fund c/o Contra Costa Federal Credit Union, Account #57463, 1111 Pine St., Martinez, 94553

Source: Irene Park, Staff Writer, Martinez News-Gazette