A Florida man who graduated Saturday from Thomas College in Waterville was killed Sunday night when he apparently lost control of his pickup truck on Interstate 295, according to police.
Antonio Martinez, 22, was traveling northbound at about 9:30 p.m. when his truck left the highway, north of Exit 43 in Richmond. Maine State Police said the vehicle rolled several times before coming to a stop near the breakdown lane.
State Police said Martinez, who was living in Waterville while attending Thomas, was likely texting while driving.
Laurie Lachance, president of Thomas College, released a statement Monday afternoon saying she was “heartbroken to share news of the passing of a beloved member of our Thomas College family, Antonio Martinez, Class of 2020.”
“Antonio was a vibrant, caring and extremely optimistic member of our community,” Lachance wrote. “He touched many lives in many ways, not only as a full-time student but through his work at The Dog Pound, his dedication to the Thomas College baseball team, his participation in TRIO and as a committed member of the Kappa Delta Phi fraternity.
“Despite these demands, Antonio often put the interest of others before himself. He always greeted you with a smile and a sincere, ‘How are you doing?’ Antonio was a poet and possessed a profound creative spirit that he openly shared with all of us.”
The accident, according to a State Police, was reported by a passing motorist at about 4:30 a.m. Monday.
Martinez was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected through the windshield, according to State Police. He died at the scene.
State Police said they do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
“Antonio will be greatly missed,” Lachance wrote in her prepared statement. “He loved our Thomas community and we, in turn, will always love him back. Please join me in offering thoughts of support and comfort for his family during this time.”
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