13-year-old boy killed in late-night crash in Newark, New Jersey
NEWARK, N.J. -- A community in Newark is mourning the loss of a vibrant teenager who was killed in a late-night crash one block from his home.
Loved ones left flowers and candles at the intersection of Montclair Avenue and Clifton, where 13-year-old Edwin Ivan Martinez died on Sunday night.
"He was in the passenger seat and they hit the passenger's door," Martinez's cousin told CBS New York. "Any room he would walk into, he would light up the whole room. He was always a positive person."
Officials said Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene of the two-car crash that happened at around 10 p.m. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said the collision remains under investigation.
Martinez's family said he was out getting food with his older cousin, who was driving and was seriously injured in the crash.
"He's in the hospital right now. He's in a very bad state as well," said Martinez's cousin.
Teachers at Park Elementary School, just blocks from the crash scene, broke the news and offered support to Martinez's eighth grade classmates.
"The school told us. When we heard, we all broke down in tears, because of how sad it was, because he was our best friend and everything. And it really hurts," one student said. "He loves soccer. He loved talking with us. Every time we used to go outside and play, we always used to play soccer together and it was just a fun experience."
"He was funny. He was a good guy to talk with. He gave good advice and he was just honestly a great person," teammate and friend Mateo Ochoa said.
Martinez's teammates said he was a great soccer player. The group added a ball signed by the team to the growing memorial.
"It hurts me because that means I won't be able to see him no more," friend Guadalupe Amaya said.
Martinez's family held vigil at the crash site for hours. Some said they went right away when they heard the news and stayed all night.
"Just know that we love you and we're always thinking about you," teammate and friend Jeremy Tapie said.
There was no immediate word if either driver will face charges.