SOUTH HADLEY — A 19-year-old man from Chicopee riding an electric scooter home from work Monday night died of injuries suffered when he was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Hollywood and Willimansett streets.
Nathaniel Josue Martinez was hit in the breakdown lane by a Hyundai sedan traveling north on Willimansett Street. Martinez was riding home from his job at the nearby Big Y supermarket, according to his father, Victor Martinez, who said his son had two broken legs, a punctured kidney and a punctured lung.
First responders arrived at the scene at 9:15 p.m., where Martinez was rushed to Bay State Medical Center in critical condition, according to a statement from the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. He died Tuesday morning.
Authorities said the 17-year-old driver of the car remained at the scene, despite false reports circulating on social media that the driver fled.
A co-worker of Martinez’s mother has started a fundraiser to support the family and cover funeral expenses. Martinez leaves behind his parents and two younger siblings.
Victor Martinez described his son as well-mannered, respectful and polite. He was very considerate, even asking to take food from the fridge in his own home. Teachers and Martinez’s boss at Big Y often commended his professionalism and kindness.
“He loved comic books,” said Libby Hernandez, a friend of the family. “He was a home body and loved to play his games. He was just very wholesome and respectful.”
The crash remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section and the South Hadley Police Department.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
