By Laura Kinzie

Teary-eyed students released nearly 100 white balloons over Los Altos High School at a memorial service last week for junior Alejandro “Alex” Fernandez, who died from a gunshot wound to his chest during a drive-by shooting Sept. 24.

“You’ve known a person for four years, it’s like losing a piece of yourself,” said one of his friends.

Others who knew Fernandez said they were angry about his death. Mountain View police said the Rengstorff Avenue shooting may be gang related. Investigators were still looking last week for the four Hispanic men who witnesses said allegedly shot at Fernandez as he walked down the street with friends.

“I hope wherever he is, he’s in a better place,” said a student at the memorial.

A poster covered with photographs and goodbye messages documented Fernandez’s short life and his impact on those at Los Altos High over the past three years.

Even those who did not personally know Fernandez have felt the impact of his death around campus. Superintendent Rich Fischer said students were lined up for grief counseling offered at the district’s Los Altos and Mountain View campuses.

The Associate Student Body has been providing relief for Fernandez’s family, taking them dinner each night and collecting money for them.

Principal Wynne Satterwhite said students can expect more police presence on campus for a few weeks.

- Laura Kinzie is a student at Los Altos High School.