WESTFIELD – As the Martinez family laid their son to rest today, they want to thank the community for their generous donations.
Roberto Martinez of Springfield drowned in the Westfield River on July 24 while saving Nicole Santiago, his brother’s girlfriend.
Martinez, who would have turned 19 in two weeks, was able to throw Santiago, 14, to his brother, 14-year-old Carlos Martinez, who got her into the shallow end of the river.
Roberto Martinez then suffered from an asthma attack, which caused him to drown, according to Pastor Evelyn Edwards, family spokesperson. He was pronounced dead later that evening at Noble Hospital.
Roberto was known for always helping others and is being remembered as a hero.
Edwards, who owns the Springfield Radio Station, La Hora Zero (translated The Zero Hour), WLHZ 107.9 FM, had collected more than $3,000 for Martinez’s funeral, but last week the family still needed $3,500 to bury Martinez.
On Tuesday, Edwards said that after the news stories ran on July 29, donations came pouring in.
“A little more than $6,000 was collected, which included enough to buy clothes to bury him in and to buy a few flowers,” said Edwards.
Edwards said that Roberto’s parents, Roberto and Carmen Martinez, are still very shaken up by the loss of their eldest son. Roberto also leaves behind three brothers and two sisters, according to the obituary published on the Puerta Del Cielo Funeral Home website.
Last week, Carlos said that he’ll remember his brother for, “always being able to make us laugh in bad times and in good times.”
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
