Family, friends hold memorial ride for man killed after falling into 100-foot hole in Buckeye

BUCKEYE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) – The love for automobiles is how Anthony Martinez shaped lots of his friendships. On Sunday, his household and associates held a memorial journey to honor his life. Over 40 autos gathered at a Park and Experience close to I-17 and Blissful Valley Street round 5 p.m. Martinez’s truck, bike, and automotive, which was fastened by a good friend within the days following his loss of life, have been additionally on the car parking zone.

Round 6 p.m., the memorial journey started. Drivers headed to Martinez’s job website close to Miller Street and Durango Road in Buckeye. There, they drove close to the realm the place Martinez labored earlier than turning again round.

His associates referred to as him ‘Anto’ and informed Arizona’s Household that he would all the time be up for a journey. “I actually hope everybody strives to be a person like him as a result of he was an incredible character. Simply his perspective alone would cheer anyone up. He was a extremely good dude,” mentioned Jake Zagrean.

Zagrean mentioned he met Anto about seven years in the past at a automotive meet and stayed shut since then. One other good friend, Jakob Woods, mentioned Anto and him would hang around each Friday for 2 years. “He was only a real particular person. You may’t cross these folks up as a result of there’s few far and between, generally,” mentioned Woods.

On Wednesday morning, the Buckeye Hearth Division mentioned Martinez fell right into a 100-foot gap whereas working at a development website in Buckeye. The division mentioned crews responded round 11:30 a.m. and have been in a position to communicate with Martinez. Arizona’s Household is informed crews pulled him out of the opening simply earlier than 2:30 p.m. He was taken to a hospital however didn’t make it. “It nonetheless doesn’t really feel actual. I nonetheless anticipate a textual content from him tomorrow,” mentioned Woods.

Zagrean mentioned he’s heartbroken after enjoying cellphone tag with Anto earlier than his loss of life. He mentioned he was at work when he answered Anto’s name however mentioned he was busy and couldn’t speak. “I mentioned I’ll name him again, after which this occurred. So no matter it’s, all the time hug your households. At all times say your goodbyes since you don’t know when your final goodbye is,” mentioned Zagrean.

Martinez’s associates have been grateful for the turnout. “It’s only a testomony to the kind of particular person he was, as a result of if no person favored you, you wouldn’t have this huge of a end up for your self,” mentioned Woods.

Zagrean mentioned he believes Martinez would have been honored by how many individuals paid their respects.

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