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Family, friends of crash victim reflect on a charismatic life cut short
Dennis J. Carroll | The New Mexican
Posted: Sunday, July 05, 2009
- 7/6/09
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About 750 of Julian Martinez's best friends turned out Sunday to celebrate the short life of the 16-year-old Monte del Sol Charter School student remembered as something of a free spirit who "loved life and loved people."

Julian's step-grandfather, Frank Ragano, advised the friends and relatives of the teenager gathered at Warehouse 21 that if they wanted to honor and celebrate his life "to be fearless in your living."

"Enjoy each other," Ragano said. "That's what Julian would love."

Julian was one of four teenagers killed early June 28 when the Subaru sedan they were riding in was hit broadside by a Jeep Cherokee traveling east in the westbound lane of Old Las Vegas Highway.

Avree Koffman, 16, the driver of the Subaru, is recovering from serious injuries at University Hospital in Albuquerque.

Scott Owens, 28, the driver of the Jeep, has been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and one count of causing great bodily injury by vehicle. He is being held at the Santa Fe County jail in lieu of a $3 million cash-only bond.

At Sunday's memorial to Julian, some of the teenager's favorite heavy metal music blasted from speakers as friends and family members consoled each other and shared their memories of him. A makeshift altar included scores of photographs of the young man, his guitars, skateboard and other items that spoke silently of his passions and talents.

Near the altar, Julian's father, Geraldo Martinez, accepted condolences and reflected on his son's life.

"My son touched everyone's life," Martinez said. "He was very intelligent, very caring. He had such charisma."

Many brought food for sharing, and contributed to a fund set up for young Julian's family.

Those gathered also watched several showings of an 8-minute video of Julian's life that featured him singing and playing his guitar, talking about his close calls with his skateboard, videos of him hanging out with his friends and pictures with his brothers.

The video included Julian singing such free-spirited lyrics as "God knows I want to be free" and "Be a simple man."

One viewer, Susan Todd, a friend of Ragano's, thanked him for sharing the video, calling it "a big gift for everyone."

In addition, many gathered around a TV showing several of Julian's own videos, some complete, some still works in progress.


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