Heartbroken family mourns educator after violent Clovis attack. ‘Senseless’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Attack near Barstow Avenue left Geoff Bernardi brain dead; family pursued donation.
- Clovis police recovered Bernardi’s phone; investigators request midnight–1 a.m. footage.
- Community remembers Bernardi as dedicated educator and organ donor; family seeks support.
A heartbroken Erin Adams stayed by her son’s side after a violent attack in Clovis on Thursday left him unrecognizable.
Adams told The Bee on Saturday that a doctor had declared 37-year-old Geoff Bernardi brain dead. The family waited for confirmation from another doctor before moving forward with organ donation.
He was officially declared dead at 2:26 p.m. Saturday.
“I should not have to bury my child,” Adams said. “This is senseless.”
According to Clovis police, officers located Bernardi at 1 a.m. on the Dry Creek canal south of Barstow Avenue, between Peach and Willow avenues.
Adams said Bernardi went to the canal to smoke, as it is not allowed at his apartment complex. There, he was approached by a man who asked if he could have a cigarette.
“Sure, bud,” Bernardi replied as he stood with his girlfriend, according to Adams. Moments later, he was attacked. Bernardi’s girlfriend heard a crack as the suspect struck Bernardi’s head. In the chaos, Bernardi yelled for his girlfriend to run. She escaped, calling 911 and alerting Adams, who was left devastated.
Police recovered Bernardi’s cellphone from the canal, but his wallet was missing. It remains unclear whether he was struck by an object or punched.
Detectives continue to investigate. No arrests have been made, Clovis police spokesperson Ty Wood said.
“He was my baby boy,” Adams said. “He was a great guy who loved his family, particularly his nieces. He was just a loving family member.”
High school volleyball coach remembers Bernardi
Bernardi’s former high school volleyball coach, Roy Verduzco, remembered him as a co-captain of Bullard High’s 2006 team. Stunned by news of the attack, Verduzco supported the family at the hospital for three days.
“His capacity for caring was tremendous. He had a very giving heart, a very giving soul,” Verduzco said. “He always looked out for his teammates, making sure they were doing the right thing.”
Verduzco said he is confident police will find the suspect.
In the meantime, he said knowing Bernardi would save others through organ donation has brought him some comfort.
“The fact that he’s an organ donor provides a little relief. When I said goodbye, I told him that he’s a hero,” Verduzco said.
Bernardi worked as a Clovis educator
Bernardi worked as a Clovis educator, specializing in lights and sounds, and prepped the Mercedes-Edwards Theater at Clark Intermediate.
He was a career education teacher, Adams said.
Bernardi was responsible for miking events and coordinating lighting for general sessions.
Adams described him as a dedicated teacher who was deeply involved in the school community.
Detectives investigating the incident ask anyone with surveillance camera footage or who was in the area between midnight and 1 a.m. to call Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 and remain anonymous, or leave a tip on the Clovis Police app. Tips can also be called in to the Clovis Police Crime Tip Line at 559-324-2459. People can help the family by donating to the Meal Train.
This story was originally published December 20, 2025 at 6:54 PM.
