'An Unimaginble Void': Community Mourns UC Berkeley Scholar Killed In Crash

BERKELEY, CA — A product of the foster care system, Paloma Foster dreamt of one day giving back to the marginalized communities that formed her.

Part of the Berkeley Underground Scholars program, which creates a pathway for incarcerated or formerly incarcerated students, Foster thrived.

A political science student, she received the Regents’ Scholar, one of the university's most prestigious undergraduate scholarships.

The Berkeley student's hopes of creating change and fostering community for people with the same lived experiences as her, however, were cut short recently when she was killed in a crash, according to the Berkeley Underground Scholars Initiative.

Details about the crash, such as location, when it happened, or what led up to it, were not immediately available. Foster leaves behind her seven-year-old son, Cairo, according to a GoFundMe created to help her family navigate the loss.

"Paloma was never afraid to stand up for what was right, and she inspired those around her to do the same," according to the GoFundMe, created by Marlo De La Mora, a friend of Foster. "She was the sweetest, most loving, and caring soul, always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need."

The Berkeley Underground Scholars Initiative will host a vigil on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in front of Stiles Hall to honor Foster's life and legacy.

Foster, according to the program, was a cherished member and dedicated advocate within its policy and advocacy efforts.

A formerly incarcerated foster youth, Foster was shaped by her early experiences by a "less-than-perfect system," according to the GoFundMe.

After graduating from Berkeley, she hoped to apply to a concurrent Juris Doctorate and Master's program in public policy, according to the GoFundMe.

Foster also hoped to become a foster parent one day and "build a life where her son would be proud of his mom," according to the GoFundMe.

"Paloma's warm smile, infectious laugh, beautiful spirit, and genuine care for those around her touched the lives of so many," according to the Berkeley Unground Scholars Initiative. "She carried herself with grace, compassion, and strength, and her presence made our community better. While her passing leaves an unimaginable void, her impact, love, and legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched."