Beloved San Francisco teacher died in Sonoma plane crash

SONOMA, Calif. (KGO) -- Faculty members and students at the University of San Francisco are mourning the death of a beloved teacher who died in a small plane crash in Sonoma on Thursday.

Bill Goldman, 38, was flying the plane with his family before the crash.

A university spokesman said those who knew Goldman are too distraught to speak at this time, but did release a written statement calling him a beloved and generous teacher.

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He was an assistant professor at USF. He comes from a very philanthropic family and has served on the board of the HAAS Foundation.

Goldman is the grandson of Richard Goldman and Rhoda Goldman, who were well known for supporting Jewish and environmental causes.

The sheriff's office released the name of the family's nanny who was on board at the time of the crash. Her name was Valeria Anselmie who was only 24 years old.

Goldman's young son and daughter were also pulled from the wreckage. They survived, but officials said their injuries were severe to critical.

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A witness rushed to the scene after watching the Cirrus SR22 plummet to the ground and was able to help the boy. "We just helped him get out a little bit, but, he popped out...George was his name. What's your name buddy?'My name's George, can you get me out?' Yeah, hang on. I'm going to cut the seat belt, stay away from this. I cut the seat belt, got him out and he was able to pop out," Robert Castillo said.

Cirrus planes are equipped with a high-tech parachute.

Witnesses said the plane did not have enough altitude for the parachute to help.

The FAA and NTSB are at the scene investigating the cause of this crash.