BARSTOW, CA — It’s been more than a week since an Inland Empire father and his three children were killed in a crash near Barstow, but community support for the family has not stopped.
Bryce Martinez, 35, of Yermo, along with his three children, Cole Martinez, 16, Trent Martinez, 15, and Sailor Martinez, 10, were pronounced dead at the scene of the May 4 rollover crash on Interstate 40, about 30 miles east of Barstow. The children were Barstow residents, according to the San Bernardino County coroner.
The crash was reported around 7:45 a.m. that day. The CHP said Bryce Martinez was driving westbound on the freeway in a 2012 Dodge Ram when he veered onto a dirt shoulder, causing the truck to roll several times.
While the crash cause remains under investigation, impairment is not believed to have contributed to the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.
According to a GoFundMe page established for the children’s mother, more than $25,000 had been raised for her as of early Monday afternoon.
“We have not fully come to understand what is in store for us and have not yet been provided with a final cost to prepare the children for final resting,” according to the GoFundMe page that is authored by the apparent partner of the children’s mother.
“I have been with Tamara since 2015 and through the years we were blessed with two more children, Peyton and Lynsey who we are helping navigate through their loss, as well. Tamara is not the kind of person who receives help well, it has taken her some time to allow us all to be there for her in the time of need. If you are willing to donate, please know how much she and the rest of us truly appreciate it,” the post reads.
The CHP asked anyone with information on the crash to call Officer Herrera at 760-255-5900.
