SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Bobbie Martinez says her son was almost ready to come home when the unthinkable happened.
Her son, 17-year-old Antonio Martinez, was walking eastbound on I-94 near 26 Mile Rd. just before 6 a.m when he was hit and killed. Witnesses told police Antonio was hit by a 49-year old driver from Indiana in a minivan.
"It's very hard to know that his life got cut short" said Martinez.
Antionio was a resident of Star Commonwealth, a home for troubled youth. Before being transferred to Star Commonwealth in Calhoun County, Antonio was housed at the Muskegon River Youth Home.
"I talked to him the day before. I talked to him on Dec. 31 and he was looking forward to the new year, looking forward to doing better and actually coming home and being with mom and being with his brother and sister" said Martinez.
Martinez says Antonio struggled with depression following the passing of his father over a year ago, but overall was generally happy.
"He struggled with a lot of decisions he made. But he was working through his problems and working through his issues. He was looking forward to being able to come home" said Martinez.
Martinez now coming to terms with her husband's passing, must now must make plans to lay her son to rest.
"I begged them to please tell me they were joking. As cruel as a joke as it would be, please tell me your kidding. Tell me your not serious. I wanted anything to wake up from the nightmare that is reality. No mom wants to get news like that."
Star Commonwealth released this statement on its website.
"It is with great sadness that we report the tragic death of one of our Starr Albion Prep students early Friday morning. Every precaution is being taken to ensure the safety and security of all our students. A response team is in place and additional staff are on campus to help our students and staff through this difficult time. We are working in full cooperation with law enforcement on the investigation into the incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the child involved in this tragedy."
A Go Fund Me page has also been set up to help the Martinez family pay for funeral costs in laying Antonio to rest.
Police to not believe speed or alcohol was a factor in he crash. The incident remains under investigation.
