Deputy recruit struck in tragic crash in Whittier, dies after almost year in critical condition

One of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department recruits struck during the tragic crash in Whittier has died. 

Alejandro Martinez, 27, was part of Academy Class #464. He was running in the early morning with his cohorts when a driver struck the entire class last November  

The class of 75 recruits had just started a training run when the crash occurred. They had zero warning before impact.

"Our condolences go out to Alejandro's family, friends, and academy classmates. He will forever live in our hearts & never be forgotten," the department said in a statement. 

Martinez was in critical condition for the past eight months. 

In all, 25 were injured during the crash as a car barreled through the group. Some were able to jump out of the way and others could not avoid the impact.

Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva said investigators had probable cause to believe the driver, 22-year-old Nicolas Gutierrez, intentionally ran into the recruits. He was arrested and accused of attempted murder of a peace officer but was later released due to insufficient grounds to file charges.

Gutierrez's attorney says this was a tragic accident that happened when he fell asleep at the wheel.