Former-Nasa Engineer Killed in His Car While Taking Smoke Break

Authorities in California are investigating the heartbreaking death of Earl Rhue, a 75-year-old former NASA engineer, who was shot and killed while watching a Golden State Warriors game on television Wednesday night. Rhue was at a family friend’s home in Oakland with his daughter when the tragic incident occurred.

According to local Fox affiliate KTVU, Rhue had stepped outside around 7:30 p.m. to smoke in his car on the 2700 block of 9th Avenue. Moments later, gunshots rang out. His family, who were inside watching the game, initially heard the noise but couldn’t immediately make sense of it due to the volume of the television.

“We heard a gunshot,” recalled Maria Rosa Keys, a family friend. “But the television was on really loud.” She then heard cries for “help” before seeing flashing police lights outside, realizing that Rhue had been struck by gunfire.

Rhue was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries but tragically passed away later that night. His daughter, Maria Martens, who was present during the incident, expressed her shock: “Shocked to know that’s what happened. And how fast it happened.”

Keys, who had known Rhue well, remembered him fondly, noting that just six months earlier, he had spoken at her late husband Calvin’s life celebration, emphasizing the deep friendship between Rhue and Calvin. “He was a Renaissance man,” Keys described Rhue, reflecting on his many talents and contributions. Besides his work with NASA, Rhue had also been a puppeteer for Children’s Fairyland and, more recently, worked as a food delivery driver.

The shooting appears to have occurred when an unidentified suspect tried to carjack Rhue while he was in his car smoking. Keys shared how Rhue had always been a source of strength and support for her family, calling him someone who “just loved people.” She added, “What happened last night was so tragic we’re still reeling from it, and we will be for a long time.”