By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-28 19:47:08 | Updated at 2024-11-28 21:33:42
2 hours ago
A beloved high school quarterback died just steps away from home after being hit by a car days before Thanksgiving.
Lazaro Martinez, 14, of Princeton - located roughly 35 miles outside of Miami - was crossing the street on Southwest 112th Avenue near 232nd Street when a black Audi struck and killed him in front of his eight-year-old cousin on Tuesday, according to NBC Miami.
He had been walking home with his 10-year-old brother after football practice around 6pm when he jaywalked, according to CBS.
'This is unexplainable. He was just a kid,' Yoel Diaz, Martinez's older brother, told CBS. 'He was playing football across the street. This could have been anyone else's kid and I don't want anybody to go through what we have been going through.'
Diaz coached Martinez in football and the pair shared a close bond.
'I was his everything and everything that he did he came to me first. Like basically I was his father and his brother,' he told the outlet. 'I was his everything and it hurts me to know that he is gone.'
His death comes just days before Thanksgiving, where his family was preparing a big reunion, with some relatives they haven't seen for 15 years coming.
'Now, we are going to have to go on without him,' his brother emotionally said.
Lazaro Martinez (middle), 14, of Princeton - located roughly 35 miles outside of Miami - was crossing the street on Southwest 112th Avenue near 232nd Street when a black Audi struck and killed him in front of his eight-year-old cousin on Tuesday
He had been walking home with his 10-year-old brother after football practice around 6pm when he jaywalked
The Audi driver did stay on the scene, but was not cited. The family is calling for more lighting to be installed near the busy intersection and for drivers to slow down and be cautious
The Audi driver did stay on the scene, but was not cited, according to CBS.
The family is calling for more lighting to be installed near the busy intersection and for drivers to slow down and be cautious.
'My message is everyone, please, especially if you are on main roads or near schools and parks, please slow down,' Diaz told CBS. 'There need to be more lights there.
'It's crazy.'
The family has started a GoFundMe to help support them through the tragedy.
'His passing has left a void that can never be filled, and his family is now facing the painful journey of navigating life without him,' the fundraiser said.
'Lazaro Martinez was a 14-year-old full of life, love, and promise. He was not just a son but also a beacon of light to everyone who knew him.
'He is deeply loved by his parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family. He adored football and shared a special bond with his brothers and sisters. His love for his family and extended family was boundless.
'He was a source of pride for his mother, a single mom who has dedicated her life to raising her five children with love, strength, and resilience.'
His death comes just days before Thanksgiving, where his family was preparing a big reunion, with some relatives they haven't seen for 15 years coming (pictured: crime scene)
Martinez's teammates are also mourning the lost of their quarterback (pictured with his brother). 'He loved the quarterback position, he was probably one of the best quarterbacks I’ve played with,' teammate Karem Johnson said
His mother, Canelee Aguilera, is also caring for three nephews and nieces.
The funds will go towards Martinez's funeral, as well as, provide counseling for the surviving children.
The fundraiser has garnered nearly $10,000 of its $50,000 goal, as of Thursday afternoon.
Martinez's teammates are also mourning the lost of their quarterback.
'It just hurts thinking about the pain his mom is going through,' one of the player's mother's told NBC Miami. 'We’ll be down here representing #12. We’ll make sure Lazaro is remembered the correct way.'
'He loved the quarterback position, he was probably one of the best quarterbacks I’ve played with,' teammate Karem Johnson told the outlet.
