Eric Pettyway, age 51, died on December 1, 2017, in Oakland, California. Originally from Bridgeport, Connecticut, Eric was a talented musician and a trained boxer who had become a personal fitness trainer. He was well known for his charisma and loyalty to his family. Eric's death came as part of a wave of violence that Oakland had been grappling with for years.
In 2017, the city recorded 71 homicides, reflecting ongoing issues with crime and violence in certain areas of Oakland, particularly East and West Oakland where a majority of violent crimes occurred over the past decade.
Eric’s passing was a significant loss to his family and friends, who remembered him for his warm personality and dedication to his loved ones. He left behind his mother, Maggie Pettway, as well as two sons, Yannik Bayer and Ezekiel Pettyway, and numerous siblings and extended family members. Eric's memorial service was held in his hometown of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where the community gathered to honor his memory and celebrate his life.
Oakland's homicide rate and overall violent crime have been major concerns for the city, with community efforts and law enforcement initiatives working to curb such incidents. Despite these efforts, the homicide cases from that period, including Eric's, serve as stark reminders of the persistent challenges faced by the city in ensuring safety for all its residents. Eric's death is one of many that underscored the need for more effective community safety measures and support for victims of violence in Oakland.
