Grace McAlister, Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
Around 7:28 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a pickup truck collided on County Road 361 in Keaton Beach. According to the report provided by Florida Highway Patrol, the SUV held five passengers, including 57-year-old Star Martinez from Lee, Fla. The SUV entered the path of the pickup truck, at which time the truck collided with the left side of the vehicle. Six people were transported to area hospitals, where they were treated for injuries from the crash.
Martinez suffered from two brain bleeds, a chest tube, hip and rib fractures, as well as other injuries due to the wreck, which she is still recovering from. Walt's Live Oak Ford, Martinez's place of work for the last 13 years, has set up an account at First Federal Bank that is accepting donations to help with her medical expenses. Donations to Star can be made at any First Federal Branch, Walt's Live Oak Ford or Walt's Live Oak Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram. All of the donations will be going towards medical bills and expenses following her recovery. Alternatively, funds can be donated to Martinez through GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/4fd56668.
Walt’s Live Oak Ford will also be hosting a 3K Walk/Run for Martinez to assist with raising funds. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 15 at 5 p.m. and another will take place at 7 p.m. For more information, call Walt’s Live Oak Ford at (386) 339-4309.