San Francisco educator killed in Richmond-San Rafael big-rig crash had promising life
The family of a young educator mourns the victim killed in the Big Rig Rigmond-San Rafael bridge crash
The family of a man killed in a burning big-rig crash on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge say the young San Francisco educator had a promising life ahead of him. Next week he would have been 32 years old.
SAN FRANCISCO – Family members remember Michael Baroja as loving and hardworking.
He died after a large drill crashed into his stuck car while driving home from work.
The 31-year-old worked at Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary in the Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco for six years.
His parents and sister said he loves helping children.
“It really fills my heart when the kids share the pictures and the parents share with us,” said Daisy Baroja, his mother.
Baroja’s parents and sister found solace in the outpouring of support from students, parents and school staff.
He had been a tech educator and after school teacher.
“I didn’t realize how much of an impact he had on the school,” Daisy said.
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Just before 7 p.m. on the night of January 26, the California Highway Patrol said Baroja’s 1988 Toyota Supra stalled while traveling eastbound on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. His car caught fire after a large drill rig hit it from behind.
Baroja was trapped in his car and died at the scene. Investigators said drugs and alcohol were not factors.
“My heart was beating really fast. My chest felt really empty. I was really cold,” his sister Kristine said.
“He is a very loving child. We are very close,” said his father Zosimo Baroja, he and his son had built the Toyota Supra involved in the accident together.
Working on old cars was her hobby, as was fishing.
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The family spent a lot of time together.
They said Baroja was on his way home to San Pablo after work when he was killed.
“It’s so hard because he had everything in front of him, everything. Everything was lined up for him,” said Kristine, her brother planning to marry his longtime girlfriend and scheduled to leave for Hawaii just two days after his death.
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He hoped to go back to school to become a recognized teacher.
“Mike meant so much to us. He was loved so much,” said retired teacher Dennis Molina, Baroja, known to his students as Mr. B, helped them with his computer skills and kindness.
“He delivered computers to their homes. He was on the phone with the parents,” said Molina.
Her loved ones said Baroja had a short but impactful life.
“I wish I could see him again,” said his father Zosimo Baroja.
The family plans to hold memorial services for Michael Baroja on February 10 and 11 at 4:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Funeral Home
He would have celebrated his 32nd birthday on February 9th.
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