Almost two years after Dylan Dooling’s life was cut short in a violent attack, family, friends and community members gathered at Ferreria Ranch Park to remember the Pitman High graduate with a park bench dedication.
“I can’t think of a better location to have this,” said State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil. “You can sit here and reflect on the memory of Dylan and watch kids playing and families coming together for picnics and children on the elementary school (playground). This is community and Dylan was part of that community….the legacy that he leaves is in the stories and cherished memories of his families and friends.”
The day after he graduated high school, on June 2, 2023, Dooling and his girlfriend were leaving a house party in the 2000 block of N. Daubenberger Road when they were confronted by a group of males, possibly three, and a physical fight broke out. It is not known what started the fight, however, Dooling was stabbed in the attack and the suspects fled. Dooling was transported to a local area hospital, but the injuries he suffered were too severe and he died at 11:40 p.m. Witnesses describe the suspects as males, in their teens to early 20s, and White or Hispanic.
No arrests have been made in the attack.
“It means so much to us; it keeps Dylan’s spirit alive. You guys showing up keeps his memory so strong. We can’t begin to thank you , from the mayor to Marie Gil and his best friends, it means everything to us,” said Dylan’s dad Joe Dooling during the bench dedication. “His legacy was definitely taken too soon…we hope that you can continue to support us, because we will not stop until justice is brought. We are not going anywhere, and we hope you guys aren’t either.”
Senator Alvarado-Gil presented the family with a flag flown at the State Capitol in honor of Dylan and a certificate in recognition of the State Senate adjourning in the memory of Dylan, which “forever puts Dylan’s memory and his life in the histories of California,” according to the senator.
His family reflected on memories of Dylan growing up and how they have become closer to God through the tragedy of his death.
“I want to say that I’m really happy this bench is here. It’s an example that Dylan’s memory is still with us. I’ve known him since elementary school; he was my best friend…I really miss him. His memory still lives on with all of us, for all the things he’s done for us…I’m just happy this bench is here so I can visit whenever I want, just to say hi to him, talk to him,” said Aaron Hernandez.
