Family mourns Downey teen who died in river accident
DOWNEY — The biggest smile. A contagious laugh. Determined. Hardworking. Brave.
Those are just some of the ways that family members described Madeline Martinez, who tragically drowned in the Colorado River after a watercraft incident June 22.
Madeline was vacationing with a friend and their family in Arizona at the time of the accident.
According to a statement released by the Bullhead City Police Department, 14-year-old Madeline was riding on an inflatable raft that was being pulled by a personal watercraft. Madeline was tossed from the raft and the watercraft capsized.
Madeline – who was wearing a life vest according to reports – was pinned underneath the inflatable tube and the piling of a bridge.
CPR was administered at the scene before she was transported to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
Impairment or negligent operation did not seem to play a factor, according to authorities.
Madeline had just promoted from Stauffer Middle School and was preparing to enter Warren High School next month, where she hoped to continue her passion for stage performance and drama.
She is survived by father Ricardo Martinez, mother Myrna Martinez, and sisters Jordan and Rikki Martinez.
Myrna said her daughter was “empathetic towards others.”
“[Madeline] was always willing to help,” said Myrna. “I know she loved me so much, and she loved of all of us so much. She never let the fact that things may be difficult, she never let that stop her from pushing forward and trying to achieve her goals.”
Jordan described Madeline as “the bravest of us.”
“She was the ideal picture of someone who was determined to fulfill their passions,” said Jordan.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to raise funds for Madeline’s funeral expenses. To date, the campaign has raised over $36,000 of its $40,000 goal.
Meanwhile, life moves on for the Martinez family, who are now trying to cope in what they say is a much quieter house.
“We’re just taking it day by day… it’s just really hard,” said Myrna. “All our friends and our family, they’ve given us such amazing support. We’re just trying to get through it.”
Madeline will be laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park on July 17. Those who would like to donate to the family can do so at https://www.givesendgo.com/GAS1C.
Madeline Martinez was a theater student at Stauffer Middle School and was scheduled to begin at Warren High School next month. She died June 22 at the Colorado River. (COURTESY PHOTO)