Teacher riding a bicycle killed in hit-and-run

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A cyclist killed in a hit-and-run incident Tuesday was a beloved teacher in the community, according to several students on the scene.

Police said 50-year-old Gordon Patterson died when 18-year-old Antonio Eugene Cellestine hit him from behind south of St. Johns on 41st St. and left as Patterson lay dying near his mangled bicycle.

Patterson was a resident of Vancouver and taught at Hudson's Bay High School.

Police said they did find the vehicle involved and later arrested Cellestine who appeared in Clark County Court Wednesday morning on charges of felony hit-and-run. Cellestine reportedly lives about one block from the site of the collision and was a former student of the high school where Patterson worked.

 Patterson was a computer design teacher and also led extracurricular groups in science.

Tony Rodriguez-Romero and others at the scene remembered Patterson for his love for all students and teaching in general.

“It’s just kind of unsettling,” said Rodriguez-Romero. “He’s my teacher. He’s everybody’s favorite teacher. Last year I went to after-school with him. He helped me with my math. I needed extra help.”

Students who knew Patterson said he was an avid cyclist and loved teaching. A spontaneous memorial was growing at the site of the collision on Wednesday morning.

A candlelight vigil in honor of Patterson is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. It will be held at Hudson's Bay High School. Attendees are asked to bring a candle and to wear white in recognition of Patterson's white lab coat.

If you have any information about this incident, call Vancouver police.