‘This world won’t ever have one other like him’: Family members, witnesses react to tragic demise of San Francisco educator

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – A San Francisco public school educator was beaten and killed Wednesday morning. Now his family, the school community and neighbors are fighting to ensure that such a wreck never happens near their school again.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Andrew Zieman returned to his childhood alma mater – Sherman Elementary – to teach. But on Wednesday morning, just before school started, the 30-year-old para-educator was hit by a car on the sidewalk opposite the school. According to the police, he died on the scene.

“He was one of the nicest teachers I knew,” said first year Logan Klein.

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Logan said Zieman was one of his teachers after school.

“He always helped me when I was frustrated.”

School was out on Veterans Day, but Logan wanted to come over and pay his respects. His mother, Jessica Klein, witnessed the crash minutes after dropping Logan off at school on Wednesday.

“It was really shocking to see him lying there,” Jessica said through tears.

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When she was 12, Jessica said she had a dangerous car accident on Franklin Street and Filbert Street, one block away. You and many others hope the city can make the intersection safer for the school community.

“That could have been a kid so easily, and I think all parents and staff are very relieved that it wasn’t a kid, but it’s still heartbreaking that it was a teacher.”

Two cars were involved in the collision on Franklin Street and Union Street, according to SFPD. Witnesses report that a third car was also hit.

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The office of San Francisco supervisor Catherine Stefani says the accident is being investigated and charges may be brought against the drivers.

“It’s worrying to see people go through red lights. My mother was hit in a car on Franklin Street and Lombard,” said Peter Cimarelli, one of Zieman’s cousin.

“Andrew was a wonderful person, very smart. He just wanted to help people. He was really a good boy and it really hurts. “

ABC7 news reporter Kate Larsen spoke to Andrew’s parents on Thursday. Andrew was their only child and they are devastated. His mother, Maridine Zieman, said Andrew touched many lives and his father Richard Zieman said what happened to his son made him angry. But they want everyone to know how comforting it was to hear all of the kind words the headmaster, families, and ward said about their son. “

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Andrew’s friend Adrienne Yang says they met five years ago while working at Sherman.

In a moving statement, she wrote: “What fascinated me about him was his patient and gentle teaching. He loved his job and always strived to contribute to the school community. I am incredibly happy to have seen him at his best every day. ” He was my balance, my consolation and my light. This world will never have another like him. My heart will never be the same. I love you, Andrew. “

SFMTA employees plan to inspect Franklin and Union intersection on Friday. Supervisor Stefani says she will be there and would like to consider “all possible interventions to reduce traffic speed along this corridor, including new speed bumps, wider walkways, lane reductions, lighted crosswalks, additional lamp exits and lower speed limits”.

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