Alejandro Martinez, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recruit who was struck by an oncoming vehicle while training with his sheriff’s academy colleagues last year, has died after an eight-month battle with serious injuries. the LASD said.
Martinez was running with her academy colleagues in Whittier on November 16, 2022 when the incident occurred. He succumbed to his injuries Friday at UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, the LASD said.
“Surrounded by his family, friends, Sheriff (Robert) Luna, and other members of the department in support of his family, Alejandro has now gone to his final resting place,” the department’s statement said. “Tragically, he couldn’t live up to his to help others. Our condolences to Alejandro’s family, friends and colleagues at the academy. He will forever live in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Words cannot express the extent of our gratitude to all who helped and continue to help, and helped ease the burden of that very difficult day.”
“We would like to thank the California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Springs Office, CHP Southern Division Investigative Services and MAIT – Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team for conducting a comprehensive joint investigation with the California Highway Patrol Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department homicides and the many Los Angeles County Fire Department stations and the many healthcare professionals who provided medical care.”
The incident left 25 recruits injured, including Martinez, sheriff’s officials said at the time.
The motorist who struck the cadets, Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, 22, of Diamond Bar, told reporters in 2022 that he fell asleep at the wheel.
He was arrested hours after the crash and booked on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, but Gutierrez was released a day later and sheriff’s officials said the complex case needed further investigation.
