Family of man killed in 7-vehicle crash finds out about lives he touched

Marc Martinez died in accident on I-10 E near Wurzbach Road

SAN ANTONIO – The family of a man who was killed in a seven-vehicle pileup this week is finding out about all the lives their loved one touched.

The accident happened Wednesday on Interstate 10 East near Wurzbach Road.

Police said Marc Martinez, 25, was rear-ended by a pickup truck, which caused his car to catch fire. He died on the scene.

Marc Martinez's father, Anthony Martinez, and Marc Martinez’s sister, Desiree Martinez, knew something wasn't right when they saw what looked like Marc Martinez's vehicle on a news report.

"He (Anthony Martinez) saw Marc's car … where the accident had happened. I then jumped up and went to go get a computer, and sure enough I knew it was his car," Desiree Martinez said.

Marc Martinez’s death has been a heartbreaking loss for the family.

"If you needed to smile, that kid (Marc) would (make you smile). He didn't even have to say something, the silly little noises he would make," Desiree Martinez said. "He was just so full of life, and seeing he was able to touch all these people, I think that's what's comforting me right now and helping me be strong."

Desiree Martinez said she found out that Marc Martinez was helping a family financially and that he was also a Christian dancer who spread his message by "krumping,” which is a form of street dancing.

"We never knew," Desiree Martinez said. "We knew that he was going to dance, but we never knew he was going to hold dance sessions, but on top of that, he was feeding people scriptures, ministering other people.”

The family is making arrangements and are also scheduling a candlelight vigil Saturday at 7 p.m. at Murphy Tomatoes, located at 6407 Railway.

"It's not just immediate family that we're trying to comfort," Desiree Martinez said. "It's a location for his friends and anyone he's touched to come and to pay their respects."

Those who want to help the family are coming together Sunday to organize a plate sale at the Grasshopper Club on 8306 Marbach Road at 10 a.m.


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.